Sec. 490H.002. COMPOSITION. (a) The council is composed of the following 17 voting members:

(1) two representatives of separate Internet service provider industry associations, including at least one representative of an association that primarily represents small providers, as defined by Section 56.032, Utilities Code, appointed by the governor;

(2) one representative of the health information technology industry, appointed by the governor;

(3) two representatives of unaffiliated nonprofit organizations that advocate for elderly persons statewide, appointed by the governor;

(4) two representatives of unaffiliated nonprofit organizations that have a demonstrated history of working with the legislature and the public to identify solutions for expanding broadband to rural, unserved areas of this state, appointed by the governor;

(5) one representative of an agricultural advocacy organization in this state, appointed by the governor;

(6) one representative of a hospital advocacy organization in this state, appointed by the governor;

(7) one representative of a medical advocacy organization in this state, appointed by the governor;

(8) one county official who serves in an elected office of a county with a population of less than 35,000, appointed by the governor;

(9) one municipal official who serves in an elected office of a municipality with a population of less than 20,000 located in a county with a population of less than 60,000, appointed by the governor;

(10) one representative of an institution of higher education that has its main campus in a county with a population of less than 60,000, appointed by the governor;

(11) one representative of a school district with a territory that includes only counties with a population of less than 60,000, appointed by the governor;

(12) one representative from a library association, appointed by the governor;

(13) one member of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and

(14) one state senator, appointed by the lieutenant governor.

(b) A member of the council appointed under Subsection (a) serves for a five-year term.

(c) A vacancy on the council is filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 228 (H.B. 1960), Sec. 1, eff. May 25, 2019.