(a) There is hereby established a Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture hereinafter referred to as the Commission. The Commission shall consist of 9 members, all of whom shall be American citizens descended from Italian ancestry and residents of the State as follows:

(1) Three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 1 each for a term of 1, 2 and 3 years;

(2) Three members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, 1 each for a term of 1, 2 and 3 years; and

(3) Three members appointed by the Governor, 1 each for a term of 1, 2 and 3 years, 1 of whom shall be designated as Chair.

After the initial appointments, all terms shall be for 3 years.

(b) Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation, except that they may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incidental to their duties.

(c) The Commission shall: establish, maintain and develop cultural ties between Italians and Italian-Americans; foster a special interest in the historical and cultural backgrounds of both groups, as well as in the economic, political, social, and artistic life of the countries involved; and help establish or promote Italian language programs in the schools of this State.

(d) This Commission shall fall under the authority of the Secretary of State and shall have such powers, duties and functions as hereinabove set forth and as may subsequently be assigned by the Secretary, and such other matters as may be referred to it by the Governor, the Secretary of State or the General Assembly.

(e) The Commission shall be given office space as established by the Secretary of State.

(f) A vacancy prior to the expiration of the term of a member of the Commission shall be filled for the remainder of the term.

74 Del. Laws, c. 426, §  1;  78 Del. Laws, c. 43, §§  1, 2;