1. (a)

   1. (1) The Board consists of the following members:

      1. (i) The Secretary, or the Secretary's designee;
      2. (ii) Six individuals appointed by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary and with the advice and consent of the Senate;
      3. (iii) One individual designated by the Maryland Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association; and
      4. (iv) One representative of the Maryland Conference of Local Environmental Health Directors, designated by the Maryland Conference of Local Environmental Health Directors.

   2. (2) Of the members of the Board:

      1. (i) At least five shall be on-site wastewater professionals; and
      2. (ii) Two shall be consumer members.

   3. (3)

      1. (i) The on-site wastewater professional members of the Board shall be representative of all geographic regions of the State.

      2. (ii) Before July 1, 2026, the on-site wastewater professional members of the Board shall:

         1. 1. Be licensed by a local government; or
         2. 2. Hold a letter from the local health department stating that the member has been providing on-site wastewater services for a minimum of 7 years and is in good standing.
      3. (iii) On and after July 1, 2026, and in accordance with this subtitle, the on-site wastewater professional members of the Board shall be licensed by the Board.

   4. (4) Each consumer member of the Board:

      1. (i) Shall be a member of the general public;
      2. (ii) May not be a licensee or otherwise be subject to regulation by the Board;
      3. (iii) May not be required to meet the qualifications for the professional members of the Board; and
      4. (iv) May not, within 1 year before appointment, have had a financial interest in or have received compensation from a person regulated by the Board.

2. (b) While a member of the Board, a consumer member may not:

   1. (1) Have a financial interest in or receive compensation from a person regulated by the Board; or
   2. (2) Grade an examination given by or for the Board.
3. (c) Before taking office, each appointee to the Board shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.

4. (d)

   1. (1) The term of a voting member is 3 years.
   2. (2) A voting member may serve two terms consecutively.
   3. (3) The terms of voting members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 2022.
   4. (4) At the end of a term, a voting member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
   5. (5) A voting member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
5. (e) The Governor may remove a voting member for incompetence, misconduct, or on recommendation of a majority of the Board.

Added by Acts 2022, c. 419, § 2, eff. July 1, 2022. Amended by Acts 2023, c. 66, § 1, eff. April 11, 2023; Acts 2023, c. 67, § 1, eff. April 11, 2023.