36-8-203. Creation; composition; qualification; appointment; terms and removal of members; election of officers; quorum; compensation and expenses.

(a) There is created an agency and instrumentality of the state to be known as the "Wyoming Yellowstone Park commission" and by that name the commission may sue and be sued and plead and be impleaded. The exercise by the commission of the powers conferred by this act [§§ 36-8-201 through 36-8-238] is an essential governmental function of the state. However, the performance of such governmental functions shall not be construed to relieve the commission from liability for personal injuries or property damages incurred by it through its negligence or the negligence of its servants or agents.

(b) The commission shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the governor, by and with the consent of the senate. The members shall be residents of the state and qualified electors therein for a period of at least one (1) year next preceding their appointment. The successor of each member shall be appointed for a term of five (5) years, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy shall be appointed in accordance with W.S. 28-12-101. Members are eligible for reappointment. The governor may remove members of the commission as provided in W.S. 9-1-202.

(c) The commission shall elect one (1) of the members as chairman, another as vice-chairman and another as secretary and treasurer. Three (3) members of the commission constitute a quorum and the vote of three (3) members is necessary for any action taken by the commission. No vacancy in the membership of the commission impairs the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the commission.

(d) The members of the commission shall not receive any compensation for their services, but when actually engaged in the performance of their duties, they shall be paid a per diem for each day of actual service and be reimbursed for their travel expense at the same rate applicable to travel expenses of other state officers. All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this act shall be payable solely from funds provided under the authority of this act or otherwise previously appropriated to the commission, and no liability or obligation shall be incurred by the commission beyond the extent to which monies have been provided under the authority of this act or otherwise previously appropriated.

(e) Effective July 1, 1979, appointments and terms under this section shall be in accordance with W.S. 28-12-101 through 28-12-103.