(a) The Arkansas Abstracters' Board is created.
(b)
(1) The board shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, for a term of six (6) years.
(2) Two (2) members shall:
(A) Be actively involved in the making of abstracts of real estate titles in this state for a period of at least five (5) years before appointment; and
(B) Serve an initial term of six (6) years.
(3) Two (2) members shall:
(A) Be citizens of this state; and
(B) Serve an initial term of four (4) years.
(4) One (1) member shall:
(A) Be knowledgeable of the abstract business; and
(B) Serve an initial term of two (2) years.
(c) A vacancy on the board caused by death, resignation, or otherwise shall be filled by appointment of the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
(d)
(1) A member may be appointed to successive terms.
(2) No two (2) members shall be appointed from the same county.
(e)
(1) Each member shall serve without compensation.
(2) However, a member may be entitled to receive travel and expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.