The governor shall be assisted in his or her duties and responsibilities by the Washington state traffic safety commission. The Washington traffic safety commission shall be composed of the governor as chair, the superintendent of public instruction, the director of licensing, the secretary of transportation, the chief of the state patrol, the secretary of health, the secretary of social and health services, a representative of the association of Washington cities to be appointed by the governor, a member of the association of counties to be appointed by the governor, and a representative of the judiciary to be appointed by the governor. Appointments to any vacancies among appointee members shall be as in the case of original appointment.

     The governor may designate an employee of the governor's office to act on behalf of the governor during the absence of the governor at one or more of the meetings of the commission. The vote of the designee shall have the same effect as if cast by the governor if the designation is in writing and is presented to the person presiding at the meetings included within the designation.

     The governor may designate a member to preside during the governor's absence.

[2009 c 549 § 5142; 1991 c 3 § 298; 1982 c 30 § 1; 1979 c 158 § 105; 1971 ex.s. c 85 § 7; 1969 ex.s. c 105 § 1; 1967 ex.s. c 147 § 3.]