15B-3. Crime Victims Compensation Commission.

(a) There is established the Crime Victims Compensation Commission of the Department of Public Safety, consisting of seven members as follows:

(1) One member to be appointed by the Governor;

(2) One member to be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate under G.S. 120-121;

(3) One member to be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives under G.S. 120-121;

(4) The Attorney General or the Attorney General's designee;

(5) The Secretary of the Department of Public Safety or the Secretary's designee; and

(6) Two members to be appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety.

(b) Members shall serve terms of four years. A member shall continue to serve until his successor is duly appointed, but a holdover under this provision does not affect the expiration date of the succeeding term.

(c) In case of a vacancy on the Commission before the expiration of a member's term, a successor shall be appointed within 30 days of the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term by the appropriate official pursuant to subsection (a). Vacancies in legislative appointments shall be filled under G.S. 120-122.

(d) The Commission shall elect one of its members as chairman to serve until the expiration of his term.

(e) A majority of the Commission constitutes a quorum to transact business.

(f) Members shall receive compensation and reimbursement for expenses as provided in G.S. 138-5.

(g) The Commission shall name a Director upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Public Safety. The Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission. The Department of Public Safety shall provide for the compensation of the Director and shall provide professional and clerical staff necessary for the work of the Commission.