(a) Creation.--There is hereby created a Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee which shall consist of the following 31 members:
(1) The Secretary of Transportation.
(2) The Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
(3) The Chairman of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
(4) The Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.
(5) The Chairman and Minority Chairman of the Transportation Committee of the Senate.
(6) The Chairman and Minority Chairman of the Transportation Committee of the House of Representatives.
(7) Twenty-three members of the public representing the areas of concern specified who shall have extensive experience and knowledge of motor carrier transportation and safety activities throughout this Commonwealth, to be appointed by the Governor as follows:
(i) One representative from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.
(ii) One representative from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.
(iii) One representative from the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania.
(iv) Two persons representing the interests of independent truckers.
(v) Two representatives from the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association.
(vi) One representative from the Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association.
(vii) One representative from the Pennsylvania AAA Federation.
(viii) One representative from the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association.
(ix) One representative from the Pennsylvania Bus Association.
(x) One representative from the Pennsylvania School Bus Association.
(xi) One representative from the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association.
(xii) One person representing the interests of motor carrier drivers.
(xiii) (Deleted by amendment).
(xiv) (Deleted by amendment).
(xv) (Deleted by amendment).
(xvi) One representative from the railroad industry in Pennsylvania.
(xvii) One person representing the interests of local government.
(xviii) One person representing the interests of the motor carrier manufacturing industry.
(xix) Six representatives from the transport industry, each representing one of the following areas:
(A) Bulk products.
(B) Moving and storage.
(C) Petroleum.
(D) Natural gas.
(E) Coal.
(F) Construction material transportation.
(a.1) Specific vacancy.--If a position or vacancy under subsection (a)(7) is not filled by the appointing authority within 120 days of the opening or vacancy, the appointment shall be made by the President pro tempore of the Senate.
(b) Officers.--The members of the committee shall annually elect a chairperson, vice chairperson and secretary from among the public members appointed to the committee.
(c) Designees.--Each member appointed under subsection (a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) may designate a representative to serve in his or her stead. A member who designates a representative shall notify the chairperson in writing of the designation.
(d) Terms of appointees.--The terms of all members of the committee appointed by the Governor shall be for three years. Any member of the committee may be reappointed for an additional term or terms. Each member shall serve until the appointment of a successor.
(e) Meetings and expenses.--
(1) The committee shall meet at least four times every 12 months but may hold such additional meetings as are called by the chairperson or by petition of at least six committee members.
(1.1) The chairperson shall provide notice at least 14 days in advance for regular meetings and shall provide a minimum of three days' notice for special meetings.
(1.2) A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business. The secretary shall maintain a record of meeting attendance by members and shall provide written notice to appointed members who miss three consecutive meetings. Four consecutive committee meeting absences by an appointed member shall be grounds for removal if affirmed by a majority vote of the committee.
(2) Minutes of meetings shall be prepared by the secretary and filed with the committee and distributed to all members. All records shall be a matter of public record.
(3) The public members of the committee shall be allowed actual, necessary and reasonable per diem expenses in accordance with regulations of the Executive Board. The department shall provide appropriate staff support to enable the committee to properly carry out its function.
(f) Powers and duties.--The committee shall have the power and duty to assess, evaluate and recommend standards for the safe operation of motor carriers in this Commonwealth, including, but not limited to, the following objectives:
(1) (Deleted by amendment).
(2) (Deleted by amendment).
(3) (Deleted by amendment).
(4) (Deleted by amendment).
(5) (Deleted by amendment).
(6) (Deleted by amendment).
(7) (Deleted by amendment).
(8) Study the feasibility of improving highway safety and freight transportation on highways and develop a policy periodically on the most pressing issues facing motor carrier safety.
(9) Examine and recommend motor carrier safety initiatives for strategic plans of the department, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and the Pennsylvania State Police.
(10) Advise and comment on all phases of motor carrier safety activities being undertaken or financially assisted by the department and agencies of the Commonwealth.
(11) With assistance from the department, provide advice and recommendations to businesses, manufacturers, educational institutions, technology developers, the motor carrier industry, labor communities and local governments related to motor carrier safety.
(12) Develop and maintain a forum for the exchange of ideas, needs, objectives, plans and accomplishments related to motor carrier safety.
(g) Reports.--The committee shall submit annual reports of its deliberations, conclusions and recommendations to the Governor, the Secretary of Transportation and members of the General Assembly.