(a) There is created the Alabama Lifespan Respite Coalition composed of members who shall be culturally, economically, and geographically diverse and representative of the state demographics and appointed by the Governor or his or her designee. The membership may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) The Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee on Education.

(2) The Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

(3) The Chair of the House of Representatives Health Committee.

(4) The Chair of the Senate Health Committee.

(5) A member from the Governor's Office on Disability.

(6) A member from the Department of Senior Services.

(7) A member from the Department of Medicaid.

(8) A member from the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

(9) A member from the Department of Human Resources.

(10) A member from the Alabama Health Department.

(11) A member from the Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention.

(12) A member from the Department of Mental Health.

(13) A member from the Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities.

(14) A representative from a United Cerebral Palsy affiliate in Alabama.

(15) A representative from a statewide advocacy or support group.

(16) A representative from a community respite initiative or program.

(17) A representative from a collaborative training partner.

(18) Two family caregivers representing diverse special needs populations.

(19) Two respite care providers.

(20) A representative from the Autism Society of Alabama.

(21) A representative from the Alabama Hospice Organization.

(22) A representative from the American Association of Retired Persons.

(b) The members of the coalition shall meet at least twice a year, and at such other times as the chair of the coalition deems appropriate. Members shall serve without compensation. A chair of the coalition shall be elected by the membership at the first meeting of the coalition. Members shall be appointed for three-year terms and may be eligible to succeed themselves for one additional term. Members shall be appointed to the coalition by August 30, 2012. Any member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings or at least one-half of all coalition meetings held during the calendar year shall be deemed to have resigned. Vacant positions shall be filled for any expired term by the respective appointing authorities.

(c) The coalition shall have the following responsibilities:

(1) Build partnerships and coordinate respite care efforts statewide, and prepare Alabama to compete for federal funding as the Lifespan Respite Act is funded.

(2) Provide public awareness about respite to the citizens of Alabama.

(3) Identify, coordinate, and develop community/funding resources for respite services.

(4) Build local partnerships and collaborations regarding respite services.