Tennessee Code Title 9. Public Finances § 9-8-302

(a) Each commissioner shall be appointed by the governor with confirmation by resolution of both houses of the general assembly for a term of eight (8) years.

(b) To provide staggered terms for the commissioners, the term expiring on June 30, 2003, shall be filled for an eight (8) year appointment while the current terms of the remaining two (2) commissioners shall each be extended for two (2) additional years. Thereafter, all commissioners shall be appointed to eight (8) year terms.

(c) Each commissioner shall have resided in the grand division from which such commissioner is appointed for one (1) year prior to appointment, resided in Tennessee for five (5) years prior to appointment, and shall have been licensed to practice law in Tennessee for at least five (5) years prior to appointment. No commissioner may practice law while serving on the commission. The commissioners shall discontinue the practice of law as soon after their appointments as is practicable. The commissioners shall comply with the standards of conduct contained in the Code of Judicial Conduct of the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court.

(d) The commissioners shall be eligible for reappointment.

(e) Temporary vacancies on the commission shall be filled by a qualified person appointed by the governor. Any other vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the term by a qualified person appointed by the governor with the consent of both houses of the general assembly. If such a vacancy occurs while the general assembly is not in session, the governor shall appoint a qualified person to serve during the interim.

(f) The commission shall designate one (1) of its members to serve as chair.