ADVISORY BOARD.

(a) The governor's university research initiative advisory board is established to assist the office with the review and evaluation of applications for funding of grant proposals under this subchapter. The advisory board shall make recommendations to the office for approval or disapproval of those applications.

(b) The advisory board must be composed of at least nine members appointed by the governor. Of the members of the board:

(1) one-third of the members, as nearly as possible, must have a background in finance;

(2) one-third of the members, as nearly as possible, must have an academic background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics; and

(3) one-third of the members, as nearly as possible, must be public members.

(c) Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to the size, composition, or duration of the advisory board.

(d) A member of the advisory board who is or has been employed by, is or has been a party to a contract for any purpose with, or is a student or former student of an applicant eligible institution may not be involved in the review, evaluation, or recommendation of a grant proposal made by that institution.

(e) An advisory board member is not required to be a resident of this state.

(f) Appointments to the advisory board shall be made without regard to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin of the appointees.

(g) Members of the advisory board serve without compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses in attending meetings of the board or performing other official duties authorized by the office.