(a) As used in this section, the term “committee” means a collective body that consults with and advises the Commissioner or his designee in detailed technical areas; and the term “council” means a collective body that consults with and advises the Commissioner or his designee as representative of citizen advice in specific areas of interest.

(b) The Commissioner may create and appoint committees and councils, each of which shall consist of no more than 13 members unless otherwise provided by law. The members of any committee or council shall serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner and may be paid per diem and necessary travel and subsistence expenses within the limits of appropriations and in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 138-5 Per diem, travel, and subsistence payments to members of committees or councils that are created in connection with federal programs shall be paid from federal funds unless otherwise provided by law. (1985, c. 666, s. 44.)