(510 ILCS 67/20)

Sec. 20. Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board.

(a) Upon certification of the assent by the majority of qualified Illinois equine owners voting on the referendum, the qualified industry organization shall select the 12 members of the Illinois Equine Industry Research and Promotion Board.

In selecting members, the qualified industry organization shall give due regard to selecting a Board that is representative of the diverse geographical regions of the State and the equine industry, to include representation of:

(1) The harness racing industry.

(2) The thoroughbred racing industry.

(3) The Illinois pleasure, show, and working horse industries.

The qualified industry organization shall select one member of the Board from the Illinois feed and grain industry. Each selected member of the Board with the exception of the member representing the feed and grain industry shall be a qualified Illinois equine owner, a person fully employed in the Illinois equine industry, or a person servicing the Illinois equine industry.

(b) Except for initial appointees, Board members shall serve terms of 3 years. Members may not serve more than 2 consecutive terms. Members filling unexpired terms may not serve more than a total of 7 consecutive years. Former members of the Board may return to the Board if they have not been a member for 2 years. Initial appointments to the Board shall be for terms of one, 2, and 3 years staggered to provide for the selection of 4 members each year.

(c) The Board shall select from its members a chairperson and other officers as necessary. The Board may establish committees and subcommittees of the Board and shall adopt rules and bylaws for the conduct of business and implementation of this Act. The Board shall establish procedures for the solicitation of equine industry comment and recommendation on any significant plans, programs, or projects to be funded by the Board. The Board may establish advisory committees of persons other than Board members.

(d) Issues related to research, education, and industry enhancements and promotion shall be given priority by the Board in developing programs and projects.

(e) At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Board shall prepare a budget for the next fiscal year including the costs of all projects, contracts, and programs. The Board shall submit the budget to the Director for review and comment. The Director may recommend appropriate programs and activities.

(f) The Board shall keep minutes, books, and records that clearly reflect all acts and transactions of the Board and shall make public that information. The books of the Board shall be audited by a certified public accountant at least once during each fiscal year and other times the Board may designate. The expense of the audit shall be the responsibility of the Board. Copies of the audit shall be provided to the Director and all members of the Board and to other members of the equine industry upon request.

(Source: P.A. 93-135, eff. 7-10-03.)