(a)    There is a Statewide Interoperability Radio Control Board in the Department of Information Technology.

(b)    The Board consists of the following members:

(1)    the Secretary of Information Technology, or the Secretary’s designee;

(2)    the Secretary of State Police, or the Secretary’s designee;

(3)    the Secretary of Transportation, or the Secretary’s designee;

(4)    the Director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, or the Director’s designee;

(5)    the State Interoperability Director;

(6)    the Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, or the Director’s designee; and

(7)    five members appointed by the Governor who represent local governmental entities that are either users of or contributors to the System.

(c)    In selecting representatives of local governmental entities under subsection (b)(7) of this section, the Governor shall:

(1)    appoint members who represent the interoperability regions of the State with expertise in public safety and communications issues relevant to varied locations;

(2)    consult with the Maryland Association of Counties, the Maryland Municipal League, and appropriate local public safety organizations and professionals; and

(3)    give primary consideration to State agencies and local governments that have adopted the System as a primary platform for their public safety communications needs.

(d)    (1)    The term of a member appointed by the Governor is 4 years and shall begin on June 1.

(2)    The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on June 1, 2014.

(3)    At the end of a term, an appointed member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(4)    If a vacancy occurs after a term has begun, the Governor shall appoint a successor to represent the organization or group in which the vacancy occurs.

(5)    A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(6)    A member may be reappointed for a second 4–year term at the request of the Governor.

(e)    The Secretary of Information Technology or the Secretary’s designee shall serve as the chair of the Board.

(f)    The Board shall meet as necessary, but at least once each quarter.

(g)    A member of the Board:

(1)    may not receive compensation as a member of the Board; but

(2)    is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(h)    The Department of Information Technology shall provide staff to the Board, including:

(1)    a director of the Board who is responsible for the daily operation of the Board; and

(2)    staff to handle the increased duties related to completion and maintenance of the System.