(a) There is established the Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission consisting of 12 members who shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. One member shall be appointed from each congressional district and the remaining members shall be appointed as at-large members. The first members appointed to the commission shall be appointed for terms of office beginning July 1, 1991, with four of those members to serve initial terms of one year each, four of those members to serve initial terms of two years each, and four of those members to serve initial terms of three years each. The initial terms of office shall be specified in the appointment. After these initial terms, members of the commission shall be appointed for terms of three years each. Each member shall serve for the term of office to which the person is appointed and until a successor is appointed, confirmed, and qualified. Members may be appointed to succeed themselves but shall not serve for more than two full consecutive terms.

(b) Two members of the commission shall be appointed to represent degree-granting nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions and two members shall be appointed to represent nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions which grant certificates only. The remaining members shall not be employed by or otherwise represent or have an interest in any nonpublic postsecondary educational institution.

(c) The commission shall elect from its members a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and such other officers as are considered necessary, each to serve for a one-year term. Officers may be elected to succeed themselves.

(d) Vacancies on the commission, except those caused by expiration of term, shall be filled by the Governor's appointing a successor who meets the requirement for the vacated position and who shall be confirmed by the Senate to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term of office.

(e) The commission shall meet at least quarterly on the call of the chairperson or upon the written petition of at least six members of the commission.

(f) The members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but on presentation of a voucher authorized by the chairperson of the commission and approved by the executive director, each member shall be entitled to receive for each day's expenses incurred while carrying out official commission business the same daily expense allowance and travel or mileage allowance as that authorized for members of the General Assembly.

(g) A majority of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business, but not less than six voting members must concur in order for the commission to take official action.

(h) Any person appointed to the commission when the Senate is not in session may serve on the commission without Senate confirmation until the Senate acts on that appointment.