(a) There is created the Tennessee council for career and technical education.

(b)

(1) The council shall consist of fifteen (15) members, appointed by the governor and speakers of the general assembly, and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the state board of education, the board of regents, the governor, and the general assembly. The members of the council appointed pursuant to subdivision (b)(2) shall serve terms of six (6) years and the members appointed pursuant to subdivision (b)(3) shall serve terms of two (2) years. In the event a vacancy is created by the death or resignation of a member or by other cause, a successor shall be appointed within fifteen (15) days to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(2) The governor shall appoint thirteen (13) individuals to fill each of the following categories:

(A) Seven (7) individuals who are representatives of the private sector in the state who shall constitute a majority of the membership of the governor's appointees:

(i) Five (5) shall be representatives of business, industry, trade organizations, and agriculture; and

(ii) Two (2) shall be representatives of labor organizations; and

(B) Six (6) individuals who are representatives of secondary and postsecondary career and technical institutions, equitably distributed among the institutions, career guidance and counseling organizations within the state, individuals who have special knowledge and qualifications with respect to the special educational and career development needs of special populations, including women, the disadvantaged, the handicapped, individuals with limited English proficiency, and minorities, and of whom one (1) member shall be a representative of the special education population.

(3) The speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives shall each appoint one (1) legislator to serve as a member of the council.