2019 Tennessee Code
Title 4 - State Government
Chapter 51 - Tennessee Education Lottery Implementation Law
Part 3 - Tennessee Sports Gaming Act
§ 4-51-305. Lottery corporation sports wagering advisory council -- Creation -- Membership -- Terms.

(a) There is created a lottery corporation sports wagering advisory council to assist the corporation with sports wagering activities.

(b) The council is composed of nine (9) members appointed as follows:

• (1) Three (3) by the governor, with one (1) member from each grand division of this state;

• (2) Three (3) by the speaker of the senate, with one (1) member from each grand division of this state; and

• (3) Three (3) by the speaker of the house of representatives, with one (1) member from each grand division of this state.

(c) Prior to the appointment of a person to the council, the appointing authority shall submit the name of the potential member to the Tennessee bureau of investigation. The bureau shall conduct a criminal records check on all such persons pursuant to § 38-6-109. The bureau may contract with any other law enforcement agency to assist in such investigation. Such potential member shall supply a set of fingerprints upon request and in the manner requested by the investigating entity.

(d) The term of each member begins on July 1. For purposes of staggering the terms of the council, each appointing authority shall appoint one (1) member to a term of four (4) years, one (1) member to a term of three (3) years, and one (1) member to a term of (2) years.

(e) After the initial terms, the term of an appointed or reappointed member is four (4) years. However, the term of a reappointed member or a new appointee replacing an existing member begins on the day of the expiration of the prior term.

(f) Notwithstanding subsection (e), at the end of the member's term, the member shall continue to serve until a replacement is appointed by the appropriate appointing authority.

(g)

• (1) Each member of the council must:

  • (A) Be a citizen of the United States;

  • (B) Be, and remain, a resident of this state; and

  • (C) Possess and demonstrate honesty, integrity, and good character.

• (2) A person is not eligible for appointment to the council if the person:

  • (A) Holds any elective office in state government;

  • (B) Is an officer or official of any political party;

  • (C) Has a direct pecuniary interest in the sports wagering or gaming industry;

  • (D) Has been convicted of a felony;

  • (E) Has been convicted of a misdemeanor involving gambling, theft, computer-related offenses, forgery, perjury, dishonesty, or unlawfully selling or providing a product or substance to a minor;

  • (F) Has been convicted of any violation under this chapter; or

  • (G) Has been convicted of any offense in a federal court, military court, or court of another state, territory, or jurisdiction that under the laws of this state would disqualify such person pursuant to subdivisions (g)(2)(D)–(F).

(h) In making appointments to the council, the appointing authorities shall strive to ensure that the council membership is diverse in educational background, ethnicity, race, gender, and geographic residency and has experience in:

• (1) The sports industry;

• (2) Accounting; and

• (3) Law enforcement.

(i) A vacancy on the council must be filled for the balance of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

(j) Five (5) members of the council constitute a quorum for the purposes of voting and conducting the business of the council.

(k) The council shall elect a chair from among its membership. The chair shall serve in that capacity for one (1) year and is eligible for reelection. The chair shall preside at all meetings and shall have all the powers and privileges of other members.

(l) The council shall meet not less than quarterly, and may hold additional regular and special meetings at the call of the board.

(m) The members must be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.

(n) The council shall:

• (1) Advise the board of best practices with respect to sports wagering;

• (2) Provide administrative and technical assistance to the corporation with respect to sports wagering; and

• (3) Carry out any other duties of the council as prescribed by the board or this part.