2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 76.09.210: Forest practices appeals board — Created — Membership — Terms — Vacancies — Removal.

(1) There is hereby created within the environmental hearings office under RCW 43.21B.005 the forest practices appeals board of the state of Washington.

     (2) The forest practices appeals board shall consist of three members qualified by experience and training in pertinent matters pertaining to the environment, and at least one member of the appeals board shall have been admitted to the practice of law in this state and shall be engaged in the legal profession at the time of his appointment. The appeals board shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, and no more than two of the members at the time of appointment or during their term shall be members of the same political party.

     (3) Members shall be appointed for a term of six years and shall serve until their successors are appointed and have qualified. In case of a vacancy, it shall be filled by appointment by the governor for the unexpired portion of the term in which such vacancy occurs. The terms of the first three members of the appeals board shall be staggered so that their terms shall expire after two, four, and six years.

     (4) Any member may be removed for inefficiency, malfeasance or misfeasance in office, upon specific written charges filed by the governor, who shall transmit such written charges to the member accused and to the chief justice of the supreme court. The chief justice shall thereupon designate a tribunal composed of three judges of the superior court to hear and adjudicate the charges. Such tribunal shall fix the time of the hearing, which shall be public, and the procedure for the hearing, and the decision of such tribunal shall be final and not subject to review by the supreme court. Removal of any member by the tribunal shall disqualify such member for reappointment.

     (5) Each member of the appeals board:

     (a) Shall not be a candidate for nor hold any other public office or trust, and shall not engage in any occupation or business interfering with or inconsistent with his duty as a member, nor shall he serve on or under any committee of any political party; and

     (b) Shall not for a period of one year after the termination of his membership, act in a representative capacity before the appeals board on any matter.

[1979 ex.s. c 47 § 4; 1974 ex.s. c 137 § 21.]

Intent -- 1979 ex.s. c 47: See note following RCW 43.21B.005.