1. A guardianship and conservatorship operations committee is created to oversee the operation of the office. The operations committee shall:

a. Appoint an office director and investigation counsel who serve at the will of the operations committee. b. Oversee and provide consent to the office for the adoption of administrative rules. c. Oversee the administration of programs and personnel under the office. d. Provide input and approval of the office budget.

2. The operations committee shall consist of: a. Two members of the legislative assembly, one from each chamber, appointed by the chairman of the legislative management; b. Two members appointed by the chief justice of the supreme court; c. Two members appointed by the governor; and d. One member appointed by the state bar association of North Dakota.

3. Initially, members of the operations committee shall serve staggered terms as follows: a. Two members shall serve a term of one year; b. Two members shall serve a term of two years; and c. Three members shall serve a term of three years.

4. After the expiration of initial terms, all appointments must be for a term of three years. A member may not serve more than two consecutive terms of three years.

5. A member of the operations committee serves at the will of the appointing authority, and may be removed for good cause. A vacancy must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.

6. A member of the operations committee is entitled to: a. Per diem compensation in accordance with section 54-35-10; and b. Payment for mileage and travel expenses incurred in the conduct of committee business as provided under sections 44-08-04 and 54-06-09.