(a) As used in this article, the term:

(1) "Board" means the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Board created under this article.

(2) "Department" means the Department of Archives and History.

(b) There is created and established the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Board with such powers and duties as are set forth in this article.

(c) The purpose of the board shall be to advise the Secretary of State and the Department of Archives and History; to serve as the state advisory body required by federal granting agencies; and to encourage cooperative efforts to improve the condition of Georgia's historical records.

(d) The board shall consist of 12 members to be appointed by the Governor. A majority of the members shall have recognized experience in the administration of government records, historical records, or archives or in a field of research or activity that makes extensive use of historical records. The board shall be as broadly representative as possible of the public and private archival and research communities and organizations in the state.

(e) The Governor shall designate the initial terms of the members of the board as follows: four members shall be appointed for one year; four members shall be appointed for two years; and four members shall be appointed for three years. Thereafter, all succeeding appointments shall be for three-year terms, except that each member shall serve until a successor is appointed. Members shall be eligible for reappointment.

(f) Whenever any vacancy in the membership of the board occurs, the Governor shall appoint a qualified person to fill the unexpired term.

(g) Members of the board shall serve without compensation, except that each member who is not a state officer or state employee shall receive the same expense allowance per day as that received by a member of the General Assembly for each day that such member of the board is in attendance at a meeting of such board, plus reimbursement for actual transportation costs while traveling by public carrier or the same mileage allowance as state government employees for use of a personal car in connection with such attendance.

(h) The director of the Department of Archives and History shall serve as Georgia historical records coordinator and assist the board in its activities.

(i) The board shall elect its chair and other officers and make such bylaws for its operation as may be necessary or appropriate.

(j) The board shall meet at least once each calendar year and special meetings may be called by the chair.

(k) The board shall be administratively assigned to the department. (l) The board shall have no permanent staff but may hire temporary staff for specific activities if funds are available.