(a) The council shall have such powers and duties as provided by federal law and state law.

(b) When carrying out duties of an advisory nature to assist the Commissioner of Labor pursuant to state law, the council shall be authorized to consult with and form committees with persons knowledgeable in the subject matter at issue in order to carry out effectively its duties. Such consultants shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for travel and other reasonable and necessary expenses incurred while attending meetings of or on behalf of the council, provided such travel and other expenses are approved by the Commissioner of Labor.