Section 405. Membership.
(a) Members.--The commission shall consist of the following members:
(1) Two individuals appointed by the Governor.
(2) Two members from the Senate appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate, one from the majority party and one from the minority party.
(3) Two members from the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one from the majority party and one from the minority party.
(4) The director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania or a designee.
(5) A representative from the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health.
(6) A young adult selected from a Statewide general farm organization selected by the chairperson.
(7) A representative from the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania who holds office in a rural county.
(8) A representative from the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania from a rural county with interest or experience in human services.
(9) A representative from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association from a rural school district.
(10) A representative from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry who resides in or operates a business in a rural county.
(11) The executive director of the Pennsylvania Rural Development Council or a designee.
(12) A representative from the State System of Higher Education who represents a university located in a rural county.
(b) Chairperson.--The director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania shall serve as chairperson of the commission until the commission elects a chairperson from the membership. The members of the commission shall elect a vice chairperson from among the members of the commission. The member elected vice chairperson shall serve in that capacity for the ensuing term.
(c) Considerations.--Members appointed under subsection (a) shall:
(1) have knowledge of problems facing rural communities in this Commonwealth;
(2) have experience in advocacy relating to rural issues; or
(3) provide leadership in programs or activities that improve the quality of life for rural communities or attract and retain residents in rural Pennsylvania.
(d) Terms.--The term of office of all members of the commission shall be two years. Each member shall be eligible to be reappointed to the commission.
(405 added June 10, 2024, P.L.382, No.21)