(a) The governor shall appoint members to the council who meet the applicable requirements of 29 U.S.C. 796d after soliciting personal applications and after soliciting recommendations from the public, from organizations representing a broad range of individuals experiencing disabilities, and from organizations interested in individuals experiencing disabilities. The council shall select a chairperson from among its voting members.
(b) The members shall be appointed to staggered terms of three years, except that a person appointed to fill a vacancy shall be appointed for the remaining years of the prior member's term. A member may not serve more than two consecutive full terms. Notwithstanding their terms of office, the members serve at the pleasure of the governor.
(c) Members of the council who are not state employees are entitled to per diem and travel expenses as authorized for members of boards and commissions under AS 39.20.180. In addition, if required by federal law, a member is entitled to
(1) reimbursement of the necessary expenses of attending council meetings and performing council duties, including expenses for child care and personal assistance services;
(2) compensation of up to $150 for each day of performing council duties and each day spent traveling to attend a council meeting if the member is not employed or must forfeit wages from other employment in order to perform council duties or travel to a council meeting.