(a) There is established an Advisory Council to the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to serve in an advisory capacity to the Director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. It shall consider matters related to alcoholism, drug abuse, mental health and any other matters that may be referred to it by the Governor or the Department of Health and Social Services. The Council may study, research, plan and advise the Director, Secretary, General Assembly and the Governor on matters it deems appropriate to enable the Division and the Department to function in the best possible manner.

(b) The Council shall be composed of 17 members who shall be appointed for 3 year terms by the Governor. The members of the Council shall be eligible to serve more than 1 term. Consideration for appointment should be given to those who have a particular interest or expertise in the areas of substance abuse and mental health.

(c) At least 6, but not more than 8, members of the Council shall be affiliated with 1 of the major political parties and at least 5, but not more than 7, of the newly appointed members shall be affiliated with the other major political party. Any person who declines to announce such person’s political affiliation shall also be eligible for appointment as a member of the Council.

(d) Members of the Council shall serve without compensation; however, they may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incident to their duties as members of the Council.

(e) A chairperson and vice chairperson of the Council shall be chosen by the Council membership for a term of 1 year. Persons chosen for these positions shall be eligible for reelection at the end of their term.

(f) The Council may adopt its own bylaws subject to the approval of the Director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services.

(g) Any replacement appointment to the Council to fill a vacancy prior to the expiration of a term shall be filled for the remainder of the term.

29 Del. C. 1953, § 7909; 57 Del. Laws, c. 301, § 1; 57 Del. Laws, c. 591, § 63; 60 Del. Laws, c. 677, § 1; 64 Del. Laws, c. 467, § 10; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 73 Del. Laws, c. 41, § 1.