Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §12.1-6 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§12.1-6. Election or appointment of members; terms.

A. The Commission shall consist of three five members.

B. Members of the Commission shall be elected by the joint vote of the two houses of the General Assembly for regular staggered terms of six years as follows:

1. At the regular session of the General Assembly convened in each even-numbered year, one commissioner shall be elected for a regular six-year term; and

2. At the earlier to occur of (i) the regular session of the General Assembly convened in 2021 or (ii) any special session of the General Assembly convened prior to such regular session, and in each sixth year thereafter, two commissioners shall be elected for regular six-year terms.

C. Whenever a vacancy in the Commission shall occur or exist when the General Assembly is in session, the General Assembly shall elect a successor for such unexpired term. If the General Assembly is not in session, the Governor shall forthwith appoint pro tempore a qualified person to fill the vacancy for a term ending thirty 30 days after the commencement of the next regular session of the General Assembly, and the General Assembly shall elect a successor for such unexpired term.

D. The Governor shall commission each of the members of the Commission who shall file his commission in the office of the clerk of the Commission.