(a) There is created a Contractors Licensing Board, consisting of seven (7) members, who shall be appointed by the Governor.
(b)
(1) Each member shall be at least thirty-five (35) years of age and must have been a resident of the State of Arkansas for the previous five (5) years.
(2)
(A) Five (5) members shall be contractors of not fewer than ten (10) years' experience in responsible charge of construction projects of a magnitude consistent with the duties of their offices. Each must hold an unexpired contractor's license issued under this chapter. Each must, at the time of appointment, maintain his or her principal place of business in Arkansas.
(B) At least one (1) member of the board shall have had as a larger part of his or her business the construction of sewers and waterworks.
(C) At least one (1) member of the board shall have had as a larger part of his or her business the construction of buildings.
(D) At least one (1) member of the board shall have had as a larger part of his or her business the construction of highways.
(3) Two (2) members of the board shall not be actively engaged in or retired from the profession of contracting. One (1) shall represent consumers, and one (1) shall be sixty (60) years of age or older and shall represent the elderly. Both shall be appointed from the state at large subject to confirmation by the Senate. The two (2) positions may not be held by the same person. Both shall be full voting members but shall not participate in the grading of examinations.
(c)
(1) Members shall serve five-year terms.
(2) Terms shall expire on December 31 of the fifth year.
(3) Each member shall hold over after the expiration of his or her term until his or her successor shall be duly appointed and qualified.
(4) If a vacancy shall occur in the board for any cause, it shall be filled by appointment by the Governor.
(5) The Governor may remove any member of the board at any time for misconduct, incompetency, or neglect of duty.
(d) Each member of the board shall receive a certificate of appointment from the Governor and, before entering upon the discharge of the duties of his or her office, shall file with the Secretary of State the constitutional oath of office.
(e) Each member of the board may receive expense reimbursement and stipends in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.