(a) The Comprehensive Statewide Domestic Violence Program established pursuant to Section 13823.15 shall be collaboratively administered by the Office of Emergency Services and an advisory council. The membership of the Office of Emergency Services Domestic Violence Advisory Council shall consist of experts in the provision of either direct or intervention services to victims of domestic violence and their children, within the scope and intention of the Comprehensive Statewide Domestic Violence Assistance Program.

(b) The membership of the council shall consist of domestic violence victims’ advocates, battered women service providers, at least one representative of service providers serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in connection with domestic violence, and representatives of women’s organizations, law enforcement, and other groups involved with domestic violence. At least one-half of the council membership shall consist of domestic violence victims’ advocates or battered women service providers. It is the intent of the Legislature that the council membership reflect the ethnic, racial, cultural, and geographic diversity of the state, including people with disabilities. The council shall be composed of no more than 13 voting members and two nonvoting ex officio members who shall be appointed, as follows:

(1) Seven voting members shall be appointed by the Governor, including at least one person recommended by the federally recognized state domestic violence coalition.

(2) Three voting members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.

(3) Three voting members shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules.

(4) Two nonvoting ex officio members shall be Members of the Legislature, one appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly and one appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. Any Member of the Legislature appointed to the council shall meet with the council and participate in its activities to the extent that participation is not incompatible with his or her position as a Member of the Legislature.

(c) The Office of Emergency Services shall collaborate closely with the council in developing funding priorities, framing the request for proposals, and soliciting proposals.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 153, Sec. 1. (AB 1547) Effective January 1, 2015.)