(1) There is created the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative.

(2) Subject to Subsection (10), to oversee USTAR, there is created the Utah Science Technology and Research Governing Authority consisting of: (a) the state treasurer or the state treasurer's designee; (b) the executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development; (c) three members appointed by the governor, with the consent of the Senate; (d) two members who are not legislators appointed by the president of the Senate; (e) two members who are not legislators appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives; and (f) one member appointed by the commissioner of higher education.

(a) the state treasurer or the state treasurer's designee;

(b) the executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development;

(c) three members appointed by the governor, with the consent of the Senate;

(d) two members who are not legislators appointed by the president of the Senate;

(e) two members who are not legislators appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives; and

(f) one member appointed by the commissioner of higher education.

(3) (a) The eight appointed members under Subsections (2)(c) through (f) shall serve four-year staggered terms. (b) An appointed member under Subsection (2)(c), (d), (e), or (f): (i) may not serve more than two full consecutive terms; and (ii) may be removed from the governing authority for any reason before the member's term is completed: (A) at the discretion of the original appointing authority; and (B) after the original appointing authority consults with the governing authority.

(a) The eight appointed members under Subsections (2)(c) through (f) shall serve four-year staggered terms.

(b) An appointed member under Subsection (2)(c), (d), (e), or (f): (i) may not serve more than two full consecutive terms; and (ii) may be removed from the governing authority for any reason before the member's term is completed: (A) at the discretion of the original appointing authority; and (B) after the original appointing authority consults with the governing authority.

(i) may not serve more than two full consecutive terms; and

(ii) may be removed from the governing authority for any reason before the member's term is completed: (A) at the discretion of the original appointing authority; and (B) after the original appointing authority consults with the governing authority.

(A) at the discretion of the original appointing authority; and

(B) after the original appointing authority consults with the governing authority.

(4) A vacancy on the governing authority in an appointed position under Subsection (2)(c), (d), (e), or (f) shall be filled for the unexpired term by the appointing authority in the same manner as the original appointment.

(5) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (5)(b), the governor, with the consent of the Senate, shall select the chair of the governing authority to serve a one-year term. (b) The governor may extend the term of a sitting chair of the governing authority without the consent of the Senate. (c) The executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development shall serve as the vice chair of the governing authority.

(a) Except as provided in Subsection (5)(b), the governor, with the consent of the Senate, shall select the chair of the governing authority to serve a one-year term.

(b) The governor may extend the term of a sitting chair of the governing authority without the consent of the Senate.

(c) The executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development shall serve as the vice chair of the governing authority.

(6) The governing authority shall meet at least six times each year and may meet more frequently at the request of a majority of the members of the governing authority.

(7) Five members of the governing authority are a quorum.

(8) A member of the governing authority may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service, but may receive per diem and travel expenses as allowed in: (a) Section 63A-3-106; (b) Section 63A-3-107; and (c) rules made by the Division of Finance: (i) pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107; and (ii) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.

(a) Section 63A-3-106;

(b) Section 63A-3-107; and

(c) rules made by the Division of Finance: (i) pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107; and (ii) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.

(i) pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107; and

(ii) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.

(9) (a) The governor, with the consent of the Senate, may appoint a program director to oversee USTAR. (b) The program director is an at-will employee who may be terminated with or without cause by the governor or the executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development.

(a) The governor, with the consent of the Senate, may appoint a program director to oversee USTAR.

(b) The program director is an at-will employee who may be terminated with or without cause by the governor or the executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development.

(10) On July 1, 2019, the governing authority is dissolved and the program director is under the supervision of the executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development.