§ 8-309

(a) The Secretary shall appoint local advisory councils.

(b) Each local advisory council shall consist of:

(1) an equal number of members who represent employees and who represent employers; and

(2) the number of members who represent the general public that the Secretary sets.

(c) Each member of a local advisory council who represents employees or who represents employers shall be regarded as a representative of employees or employers because of affiliation, employment, or vocation.

(d) A member of a local advisory council:

(1) may not receive compensation; but

(2) is entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses.

(e) The local advisory councils shall help the Secretary to:

(1) develop policies and discuss problems related to the administration of this title; and

(2) ensure impartiality and freedom from political influence in the solution of those problems.