§73-35-5. Real estate commission created; organization; seal; records

(1) There is hereby created the Mississippi Real Estate Commission.

The commission shall consist of five (5) persons, to be appointed by the
Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Each appointee
shall have been a resident and citizen of this state for at least six (6)
years prior to his appointment, and his vocation for at least five (5)
years shall have been that of a real estate broker. One (1) member shall
be appointed for the term of one (1) year; two (2) members for terms
of two (2) years; two (2) members for terms of four (4) years;
thereafter, the term of the members of said commission shall be for four
(4) years and until their successors are appointed and qualify.

There shall be at least one (1) commissioner from each congressional district, as such districts are constituted as of July 1, 2002. The commissioners appointed from each of the congressional districts shall be bona fide residents of the district from which each is appointed. One (1)
additional commissioner shall be appointed without regard to residence
in any particular congressional district. Members to fill vacancies shall
be appointed by the Governor for the unexpired term. The Governor
may remove any commissioner for cause. The State of Mississippi shall
not be required to furnish office space for such commissioners. The
provisions of this section shall not affect persons who are members of
the Real Estate Commission as of January 1, 2002. Such members shall
serve out their respective terms, upon the expiration of which the
provisions of this section shall take effect. Nothing provided herein
shall be construed as prohibiting the reappointment of any member of
the said commission.

(2) The commission shall organize by selecting from its members a
chairman and may do all things necessary and convenient for carrying
into effect the provisions of this chapter and may from time to time
promulgate rules and regulations. Each member of the commission
shall receive per diem as authorized in Section 25-3-69, Mississippi
Code of 1972, and his actual and necessary expenses incurred in the
performance of duties pertaining to his office as authorized in Section
25-3-41, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(3) The commission shall adopt a seal by which it shall authenticate its
proceedings. Copies of all records and papers in the office of the
commission, duly certified and authenticated by the seal of said
commission, shall be received in evidence in all courts equally and with
like effect as the original. All records kept in the office of the
commission under authority of this chapter shall be open to public
inspection except pending investigative files.