I. There is established a railroad appeals board of 3 members which shall hear all appeals of decisions of the commissioner relative to common carriers by rail. One member shall be a recognized expert on railroad matters, one member shall be admitted to the practice of law in this state, and one member shall be a person knowledgeable about railroad matters who shall represent the general public. There shall also be 2 alternate board members who shall be similarly qualified. Each board member and alternate board member shall be appointed by the governor with the consent of the council to a term of 3 years, except that of the initial appointments under this section one member shall be appointed to a term of one year, one member to a term of 2 years, and one member to a term of 3 years. Vacancies shall be filled in a like manner for the unexpired term. The governor shall designate one member to serve as board chairman, and the board shall elect a member to serve as vice-chairman. In the event of illness or disqualification of a member as set forth in RSA 673:14, the chairman shall designate one of the alternate board members to act in the absent member's place.
   II. Members shall be paid a per diem set by the governor and council out of any available department funds for each day devoted to the work of the board and shall be reimbursed for necessary travel and expenses.
   III. Members of the board shall be removed only as provided in RSA 4:1.
   IV. The board shall hear and decide appeals from any decision of the commissioner relating to any matters concerning common carriers by rail.
   V. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for its appeals process under RSA 541-A.
Source. 1985, 402:1. 1995, 226:8, eff. Aug. 13, 1995.