(a) The President of the Senate shall be a member of the Legislative Council but may vote on issues before the Legislative Council only in the case of a tie. At its first meeting during each quadrennium and at such other times as necessary, the Legislative Council shall elect a chair and vice chair from among the membership of the council. The position of chair shall alternate between a member of the Senate and a member of the House of Representatives every two years. To the extent possible, membership of the council shall be inclusive and reflect the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state.

(b) Within 10 days after the membership of the Legislative Council is determined:

(1) The Legislative Council shall convene at a place and time designated by the President of the Senate in written notice given to each member to select a chair and vice chair from the membership. The Legislative Council shall meet thereafter at the request of the chair or as its members shall determine, in both cases upon written notice to each member of the council. If the chair declines to call a meeting or is unable to call a meeting, the Speaker of the House, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, or a majority of the council may call a meeting of the council.

(2) The House Legislative Council shall convene at a time and place designated by the Speaker of the House in written notice given to each member of the House Legislative Council to select a chair and vice chair of the House Legislative Council. The council shall meet thereafter at the request of the chair or as its members shall determine, in both cases upon written notice to each member of the House Legislative Council. If the chair declines to call a meeting or is unable to call a meeting, the Speaker of the House may call a meeting of the House Legislative Council.

(3) The Senate Legislative Council shall convene at a time and place designated by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate in written notice given to each member of the Legislative Council to select a chair and vice chair of the Senate Legislative Council. The Senate Legislative Council shall meet thereafter at the request of the chair or as its members shall determine, in both cases upon written notice to each member of the Senate Legislative Council. If the chair declines to call a meeting or is unable to call a meeting, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate may call a meeting of the Senate Legislative Council.

(c) Members of the Legislative Council, House Legislative Council, and Senate Legislative Council shall receive expenses for attendance of each meeting of the respective council as provided for in Amendment 871 to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. The President of the Senate and Speaker of the House shall adopt such expense reimbursement regulations as are necessary to implement Amendment 871 for operation of the councils.

(d) The Legislative Council, the House Legislative Council, and the Senate Legislative Council may provide for the appointment of committees to facilitate their work.