Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel -- Creation -- Membership -- Interim rules -- Per diem -- Staff support

(1) There is created the Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel composed of the following members: (a) two members of the Senate, one from the majority party and one from the minority party, appointed by the president of the Senate; and (b) three members of the House of Representatives, two from the majority party and one from the minority party, appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives. (2) (a) The president of the Senate shall designate one of the senators appointed to the panel under Subsection (1) as the Senate chair of the panel. (b) The speaker of the House of Representatives shall designate one of the representatives appointed to the panel under Subsection (1) as the House chair of the panel. (3) (a) A member of the panel shall serve for two-year terms, or until the member's successor is appointed. (b) (i) A vacancy occurs when a member ceases to be a member of the Legislature, or when a member resigns from the panel. (ii) If a vacancy occurs in the membership of the panel, the replacement shall be appointed for the unexpired term in the same manner as the vacated member was appointed. (4) The panel shall follow the interim committee rules established by the Legislature. (5) A member of the panel who is a legislator may be compensated in accordance with Section 36-2-2 and Legislative Joint Rules, Title 5, Legislative Compensation and Expenses. (6) (a) The Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel shall provide staff support to the panel. (b) The panel is authorized to employ additional professional assistance and other staff members as the panel considers necessary and appropriate.