(a) The Task Force on Alpha-gal is created.
(b) The task force shall be composed of the following seventeen (17) members:
(1) One (1) senator appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate;
(2) Two (2) members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(3) The Director of the Department of Health or his or her designee, serving as an ex officio, nonvoting member;
(4) The Insurance Commissioner or his or her designee, serving as an ex officio, nonvoting member;
(5) The Secretary of the Arkansas Agriculture Department or his or her designee, serving as an ex officio, nonvoting member;
(6) Three (3) members who are employed by the Department of Health and designated by the Director of the Department of Health;
(7) One (1) member who is designated by the Arkansas Hospitality Association, Inc.;
(8) One (1) member who is designated by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing;
(9) One (1) member who is designated by the Arkansas Pharmacist’s Association;
(10) One (1) member who is designated by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology;
(11) One (1) member who is designated by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology;
(12) Two (2) members who are designated by the Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas; and
(13) One (1) member who is a patient with a diagnosis of Alpha-gal allergies and who is appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(c) The terms of the legislative members of the task force shall expire on December 31, 2018.
(d) Nonlegislative members shall serve at the pleasure of the organizations they represent.
(e) Vacancies on the task force shall be filled in the same manner as provided for the initial appointment.
(f) The chair shall be one (1) of the legislative members of the task force and shall be selected by the legislative members of the task force.
(g) The task force shall meet as often as is deemed necessary by the chair.
(h) The members of the task force shall serve without compensation and shall not receive per diem, mileage, or stipends.
(i) The task force shall receive staff support from the Bureau of Legislative Research.
(j) This section shall expire on December 31, 2018.