(1) There is hereby created, within the office of the executive director of the department of human services, the Colorado developmental disabilities council. The powers, duties, and functions of the state council are transferred by a type 1 transfer, as such transfer is defined by the "Administrative Organization Act of 1968", article 1 of title 24, C.R.S., to the department of human services. The state council shall operate in accordance with the federal "Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000", 42 U.S.C. sec. 15001 et seq.

(2) The state council shall consist of twenty-four members appointed by the governor for three-year terms; except that of the members first appointed, one-third shall be appointed for one-year terms, one-third shall be appointed for two-year terms, and one-third shall be appointed for three-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.

(3) The state council shall at all times include in its membership representatives of the principal state agencies, including the state agency that administers funds provided under the federal "Rehabilitation Act of 1973", the state agency that administers funds provided under the federal "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act", the state agency that administers funds provided under the federal "Older Americans Act of 1965", and the state agency that administers funds provided under Titles V and XIX of the federal "Social Security Act" for persons with developmental disabilities; university centers for excellence in developmental disabilities education, research, and service; nongovernmental agencies; and private nonprofit groups concerned with services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities.

(4) At least one-half of the membership of the state council shall consist of persons who:

(a) Are persons with developmental disabilities;

(b) Are parents or guardians of such persons; or

(c) Are family members or guardians of persons with mentally impairing developmental disabilities, and who are not employees of a state agency which receives funds or provides services and supports under this part 2, and who are not employees implementing programs under the federal "Social Security Act" or of any other entity which receives funds or provides services and supports under this part 2.

(5) Of the members of the state council described in subsection (4) of this section:

(a) At least one-third shall be persons with developmental disabilities;

(b) At least one-third shall be individuals described in paragraph (c) of subsection (4) of this section, and at least one of such individuals shall be an immediate relative or guardian of an institutionalized or previously institutionalized person with a developmental disability.

(6) Members of the state council shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to reimbursement for their expenses while attending regular and special meetings of the state council.

(7) The state council shall operate in accordance with bylaws adopted by a quorum of its membership.

(8) For the purposes of holding meetings of the council, a quorum shall be a simple majority of the council membership in attendance.