(a)  The Cancer Research Council is hereby established, to consist of 15 members appointed by the Director of Health Services representing a range of expertise and experience, and the chief of the California Cancer Registry as an ex officio, nonvoting member. The voting members shall be appointed by February 15, 1998, as follows:

(1)  Nine members from persons recommended by relevant organizations, as follows:

(A)  One member drawn from a cancer survivor group or cancer-related advocacy group.

(B)  Five members drawn from the ranks of scientists or clinicians, two from public universities or research organizations, and three from private universities or research organizations. The scientists shall have expertise in one or more of the various fields of cancer research.

(C)  One member who is a practicing cancer medical specialist from a health organization with a commitment to cancer research and control.

(D)  Two members from private industry with an interest in cancer research and control, including, but not limited to, entrepreneurs or persons from the science or high technology industry.

(2)  Three members nominated by the Senate Committee on Rules as follows:

(A)  One member drawn from a cancer survivor group or cancer-related advocacy group.

(B)  One member drawn from a health organization.

(C)  One member drawn from private industry with an interest in cancer research or control.

(3)  Three members nominated by the Speaker of the Assembly as follows:

(A)  One member drawn from a cancer survivor group or cancer-related advocacy group.

(B)  One member drawn from a health organization.

(C)  One scientist or clinician who has expertise in one or more of the various fields of cancer research.

(b)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the council contain the proportional representation of appointees described in subdivision (a) when the council approves the funding of research grants, and that vacancies affecting the proportional representation be filled before grants are approved, and within 45 days of the occurrence of a vacancy.

(c)  Members shall serve without compensation, but may receive reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses actually incurred in the performance of their official duties.

(d)  All appointments shall be for a term of four years, except that, for purposes of the initial appointments, the Director of Health Services shall appoint five members to four-year terms, five members to three-year terms, and five members to two-year terms. Each of those groups of five members shall include three members appointed under paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), one member appointed under paragraph (2) of that subdivision, and one member appointed under paragraph (3) of that subdivision.

(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 755, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1998.)