42-9.4-4. Inspector general -- Appointment -- Removal.

(a) There is hereby established a five (5) member independent advisory commission

comprised of the following individuals:

(1) Attorney general;

(2) General treasurer;

(3) Secretary of state;

(4) Executive director of the ethics commission; and

(5) President of the Association of Inspectors General, or designee.

(b) The commission shall immediately be charged with creating a process for the

application, interview and selection of suitable and qualified candidates as follows:

(1) The commission shall consider applicants for the position of inspector general, in

accordance with this chapter and without regard to political affiliation, on the basis of integrity,

capability for strong leadership and demonstrated ability in accounting, auditing, financial analysis,

law, public administration, investigations, criminal justice administration, or closely related fields.

(2) Within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this chapter, the commission shall

submit to the governor a list of three (3) qualified candidates for inspector general that the governor

shall give due consideration in appointing one individual from the list. Within ninety (90) days of

receiving the list, the governor shall submit to the senate for advice and consent one individual for

appointment as inspector general.

(3) Once confirmed by the senate, the inspector general shall serve for a term of five (5)

years and is eligible for reappointment for a second five (5) year term, in accordance with this

section.

(c) No inspector general may serve longer than two (2) five (5) year terms.

(d) The inspector general and employees shall be subject to chapter 14 of title 36 ("code of

ethics").

(e) Upon a mid-term vacancy of the inspector general, an interim inspector general shall

be appointed in accordance with this section.

(f) No inspector general, officer, or employee of the office of inspector general shall hold

or be a candidate for any other elective or appointed public office while serving as inspector

general.

(h) Eligibility restriction. The following individuals shall not be nominated for inspector

general until one year after the last day of the individual's holding of any of the following

disqualifying positions:

(1) A member of the general assembly;

(2) Any other public office holder; or

(3) A cabinet secretary, a department director in the executive branch, or an individual of

equivalent standing within the executive branch.

(i) Removal. The person so appointed as inspector general may be removed from office for

cause by the governor prior to the expiration of his or her term. Cause may include substantial

neglect of duty, gross misconduct or conviction of a crime, whether or not it is related to official

work duties.