1. (a) The commission may establish advisory committees in accordance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2110. The following shall apply to each advisory committee:

   1. (1) Agency role. The Executive Director may direct one or more staff members of the agency to assist each advisory committee. These positions shall be non-voting.
   2. (2) Committee size and appointment of members. Each advisory committee shall be composed of nine members appointed by the commission. Members of each committee serve at the pleasure of the commission, and may be removed from a committee by a majority vote of the commission.
   3. (3) Committee chair. The chair of each advisory committee is designated by and serves at the pleasure of the commission. The committee chair determines the agenda for each meeting.

   4. (4) Conditions of membership.

      1. (A) Terms of service. The term of office for each member appointed by the commission shall be staggered for a two-year term. In the event that a member appointed by the commission cannot complete his or her term, or is removed by the commission, the commission shall appoint a qualified replacement to serve the remainder of the term.
      2. (B) Participation. Participation on an advisory committee is voluntary.
      3. (C) Compensation. Advisory committee members appointed by the commission shall serve without compensation. Travel reimbursement and per diem incurred in the performance of official duties will be paid only if authorized by the Texas Legislature in the General Appropriations Act.
   5. (5) Training. Each committee member shall receive initial training to ensure compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Training should also include an overview of the agency's mission and organizational structure, the overall purpose or goals of the committee, as well as other information that will assist members accomplish committee goals.
   6. (6) Responsibilities. Each advisory committee will review issues and provide advice to the commission, as charged by the commission.
   7. (7) Meetings. Each advisory committee shall meet at least quarterly unless otherwise directed by the commission. Advisory committee meetings may be conducted by telephone conference. Each advisory committee shall be subject to meeting at the call of the committee chair or designee. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the committee membership. The committees shall comply with Open Meetings requirements as provided in Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.

   8. (8) Reports. The committee chair or designee of each advisory committee shall regularly report to the commission regarding its activities and recommendations, and, when requested by the commission, shall file with the commission a report containing:

      1. (A) the minutes of meetings;
      2. (B) a memo summarizing the meetings; and
      3. (C) a list of the committee's recommendations, if any.
   9. (9) Evaluation and duration. Each advisory committee shall remain in existence as long as deemed necessary by the commission based on a regular evaluation of the continuing need for each advisory committee. The Executive Director or staff may assist with this evaluation at the direction of the commission.

2. (b) Veterans Employment and Training Advisory Committee.

   1. (1) Purpose. The purpose of the Veterans Employment and Training Advisory Committee is to seek the input of employers to better assist veterans in gaining successful employment and/or training.
   2. (2) Committee member qualifications. Members may include individuals who are recognized authorities in the fields of business, employment, training, rehabilitation or labor or are nominated by veterans' organizations that have a national employment program.

3. (c) Fund for Veterans' Assistance Advisory Committee.

   1. (1) Purpose. The purpose of the Fund for Veterans' Assistance Advisory Committee is to evaluate grant applications and make recommendations to the commission.
   2. (2) Committee member qualifications. Members may include representatives from veterans' organizations, non-profit or philanthropic organizations, veterans or family members of veterans, and other individuals with the experience and knowledge to assist the committee with achievement of its purpose.
   3. (3) Meetings. The Fund for Veterans' Assistance Advisory Committee shall meet as needed to make grant recommendations to the commission.

4. (d) Veterans Communication Advisory Committee.

   1. (1) Purpose. The purpose of the Veterans Communication Advisory Committee is to develop recommendations to improve communications with veterans, their families, and the general public regarding the services provided by the Texas Veterans Commission and information on benefits and assistance available to veterans from federal, state, and private entities.
   2. (2) Committee member qualifications. Members may include representatives from the communications industry, state agencies, the Texas National Guard, U.S. Armed Forces reserve components, and other individuals with the experience and knowledge to assist the committee with achievement of its purpose.

Source Note:The provisions of this §452.2 adopted to be effective November 15, 2007, 32 TexReg 8168; amended to be effective December 12, 2011, 36 TexReg 8387.