Rhode Island General Laws Title 40. Human Services § 40-1-1. Advisory council--Appointment of members

(a) Within the department of human services there shall be an advisory council consisting of nine (9) qualified electors of the state, who shall be appointed by the governor as provided in this section. In the month of February in each year the governor shall appoint a member, or members, of the council, each to hold office until the first day of March in the fifth year after his or her appointment and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified, to succeed the member whose term shall next expire.

(b) Any vacancy that may occur in the council shall be filled by appointment by the governor for the remainder of the unexpired term and members of the council shall be chosen with due regard to their knowledge of social welfare problems and the director of the department shall designate some person to act as secretary of the council.

(c) The council shall meet at least four (4) times during any one year and at such additional times as the director of the department shall designate. The members of the council shall elect one of their members as chairperson upon the appointment of any new member for a full term and whenever the office becomes vacant.