49-8-204. Code of ethics - Material violation - Hearing - Vacancy.

(a)  By July 1, 2003, the board shall establish and adopt a code of ethics that shall apply to and govern the conduct of all appointed members of the board. 

(b)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its membership, the board may remove any appointed member of the board for a material violation of the code of ethics. 

(c)  A board vote to remove one of its members shall only be taken after the accused member has been afforded a due process contested case hearing in accordance with the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5 and a finding has been made that the member did violate the board's code of ethics. 

(d)  If a member is removed in accordance with this section, such position shall be considered vacant and the vacancy shall be filled as provided by law. 

[Acts 2003, ch. 327, § 2.]