Section 1 - Establishment of the Tennessee Access to Justice Commission

As amended through January 18, 2024

1.01. The Supreme Court of Tennessee hereby establishes the Access to Justice Commission (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission").

1.02. The Commission shall consist of ten members who shall reflect, to the extent feasible, the diversity of the ethnic, gender, and geographic communities of Tennessee.

1.03. The Supreme Court shall designate one member to serve as Chair of the Commission. Commission members shall elect a Vice-Chair to serve a one-year term and who is eligible to serve a total of three years.

1.04. The initial term for each member shall be designated at the time of appointment. The Chair shall serve an initial term of three years. Three members shall be appointed for an initial term of three years; three members shall be appointed for an initial term of two years; and three members shall be appointed for an initial term of one year. Subsequent terms of all members shall be three years. No member may serve more than two successive three-year terms or more than a total of eight years consecutively. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the Supreme Court.

1.05. The Commission shall meet at least quarterly and at other times at the call of the Chair.

1.06. Five members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. After a quorum is established, the Commission may act upon a majority vote of those present.

1.07. Members shall receive no compensation for their services but may be reimbursed for their travel and other necessary expenses in accordance with regulations adopted by the Judicial Branch.

1.08. A member of the Supreme Court will serve as liaison to the Commission.

1.09. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall staff the Commission.

1.10. The Supreme Court shall review the Commission every five years to determine if the Commission continues to serve the purposes for which it was created.