Low-level radioactive waste authority; creation; autonomous entity; commissioner as head of authority; appointment, qualifications, and term of commissioner; vacancy; salary; exemption from civil service; employment of personnel.

(1) An authority is created to be known as the low-level radioactive waste authority. The authority is an autonomous entity within the department of commerce. The authority shall exercise its powers and duties independently of the department of commerce, including the budgeting, procurement, contracting for, and actual purchase of all equipment, supplies, and services of whatever kind necessary to implement this act. (2) The head of the authority is the commissioner who shall be qualified by training and experience to direct the work of the authority. The commissioner shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, and shall serve a 2-year term at the pleasure of the governor. A vacancy occurring in the office of the commissioner shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. The commissioner shall receive a salary as provided by annual appropriation by the legislature from the low-level radioactive waste management fund. (3) The commissioner is exempt from civil service. The commissioner is responsible directly to the governor to ensure the accountability and integrity of the authority and accordingly should be a position within the department of commerce that is exempt from the classified state civil service. The department of commerce shall request that the civil service commission establish the commissioner's position as a position that is exempt from the classified state civil service. (4) The commissioner shall employ personnel as necessary to implement this act.