2. There is created a 13-member “Governor’s Lyme Disease Advisory Council.” The council shall consist of: the Commissioners of the Departments of Environmental Protection, Health and Education, or their designees, who shall serve ex officio; and 10 public members who by virtue of education or experience are knowledgeable about the problems of Lyme disease, six to be appointed by the Governor, at least one of whom shall be a physician and at least one of whom shall be a veterinarian, two to be appointed by the President of the Senate and two to be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly.

The public members shall serve for three-year terms or until a successor is appointed; but of the members initially appointed, five shall serve for a term of three years and five shall serve for a term of two years.

Vacancies in the membership of the council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments are made and a member may be eligible for reappointment. Vacancies occurring other than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term.

The members of the council shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for traveling and other miscellaneous expenses necessary to perform their duties, within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the council for its purposes.

L.1991,c.277,s.2.