§ 25-17-211 - Absence of member from meetings as grounds for removal. - Arkansas Statutes

25-17-211. Absence of member from meetings as grounds for removal.

(a) Attendance Required. In order to ensure broad representation and a quorum, all board or commission members have a responsibility to attend all regular or special meetings of the board or commission.

(b) Excessive Absences. A board or commission member shall be subject to removal from the board or commission in the event the member shall fail to present to the Governor a satisfactory excuse for his or her absence. Unexcused absences from three (3) successive regular meetings, without attending any intermediary called special meetings, shall constitute sufficient cause for removal.

(c) Notice and Removal Procedures. Removal of board or commission members shall be in accordance with the following:

(1) (A) Within thirty (30) days after each regular board or commission meeting, the secretary of each board or commission shall notify the Governor in writing of any member who has been absent from three (3) successive regular meetings without attending any intermediary called special meetings.

(B) The secretary's notice to the Governor shall include a copy of all meeting notices and attendance records for the past year;

(2) Any board or commission secretary's failing to submit the notices and documentation required by this section shall be considered cause for removal by the Governor in accordance with the procedures set forth at 25-17-210;

(3) (A) Within sixty (60) days after receiving the notice and supporting documentation from the board or commission secretary, the Governor shall notify the board or commission member in writing of his or her intent to remove the member for cause.

(B) This notice shall suffice for the notice required in 25-17-210(a);

(4) Within twenty (20) days of the date of the Governor's notice, the member may request an excused absence as provided by this section or may file notice with the Governor's office that the member disputes the attendance records and the reasons thereby;

(5) The Governor shall grant an excuse for illness of the member when the illness is verified by a written sworn statement by the attending physician or other proper excuse as determined by the Governor; and

(6) After twenty (20) days of the date of the Governor's notice, if no rebuttal is received or other adequate documentation submitted, the member may be removed in accordance with the provisions set forth at 25-17-210.

(d) Reimbursements Withheld. Any board or commission member referred to the Governor because of excessive absences under the provisions of this section shall not be entitled to any per diem or expense reimbursement for travel or attendance of any subsequent meeting until the board or commission receives notification from the Governor that the member has been excused for the absences.