(a) A Children and Family Council for Prevention Programs is established. The Council shall consist of 21 members who shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate for three-year terms. In the appointment of the members, consideration shall be given to the selection of persons who will adequately represent the interests of the beneficiaries of the primary prevention programs.

(b) The Council shall elect a chairperson, vice chairperson, and clerk from its members who shall serve for one year or until their successors are elected.

(c) A majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum. The Council shall act only by vote of a majority of its members present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is in attendance.

(d) In the event a vacancy occurs on the Council, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as provided in subsection (a) of this section. The term of a person appointed to fill a vacancy shall terminate on the date on which the original appointment would have terminated if the vacancy had not occurred.

(e) Council members are authorized to receive per diem compensation from federal funds as specified in 32 V.S.A. § 1010(b). (Added 1983, No. 79, § 1; amended 1985, No. 177 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 1997, No. 61, § 271a.)