(1)    In this section, “agency” means any office, department, agency, institution of higher education, association, society or other body in state government created or authorized to be created by the constitution or any law which is entitled to expend moneys appropriated by law, including the legislature and the courts, and any authority created under subch. II of ch. 114 or ch. 231, 233 or 234.

   (2)   The women’s council shall:

      (a)    Identify the barriers that prevent women in this state from participating fully and equally in all aspects of life.

      (b)    Conduct statewide hearings on issues of concern to women.

      (c)    Review, monitor and advise all state agencies regarding the impact upon women of current and emerging state policies, procedures, practices, laws and administrative rules.

      (d)    Work closely with all state agencies, including the University of Wisconsin System and the technical college system, with the private sector and with groups concerned with women’s issues to develop long-term solutions to women’s economic and social inequality in this state.

      (e)    Recommend changes to the public and private sectors and initiate legislation to further women’s economic and social equality and improve this state’s tax base and economy.

      (f)    Disseminate information on the status of women in this state.

      (g)    Submit a biennial report on the women’s council’s activities to the governor and to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature, for distribution to the appropriate standing committees under s. 13.172 (3).

   (3)   All state agencies, including the University of Wisconsin System and the technical college system, shall fully cooperate with and assist the women’s council. To that end, a representative of a state agency shall, upon request by the women’s council:

      (a)    Provide information on program policies, procedures, practices and services affecting women.

      (b)    Present recommendations to the women’s council.

      (c)    Attend meetings and provide staff assistance needed by the women’s council.

      (d)    Inform the agency’s appointing authority of issues concerning the women’s council.