(a) The Governor shall appoint, fund, and provide staff assistance to a Governor's Advisory Council for Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse, referred to in this chapter as the "Governor's council." The Governor's council shall consist of no more than 30 and no less than 15 members, who shall be representative of professional and lay individuals, organizations, and state agencies associated or involved with services for the disabled. Such members shall be fairly representative of all disability groups. The term of each member of the Governor's council shall be for three years, provided that of the members first appointed, ten shall be appointed for a term of one year, five for a term of two years, and the remainder, if any, for a term of three years. Vacancies shall be filled by similar appointment for unexpired terms. The director shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member.

(b) The Governor's council shall advise the Governor, the board, the department, and the division as to the efficacy of the state disability services programs, the need for legislation relating to the disabled, the need for expansion or reduction of specific disability services programs, and the need for specific changes in the state disability services programs. The Governor's council shall review and prepare written comments on proposed state plans and on standards, rules, and regulations promulgated by the division. Such comments shall be submitted to the director, the board, the commissioner of the department, and to any other individual or agency deemed appropriate. The Governor's council shall further receive and consider complaints and grievances submitted in writing by individuals, associations, or agencies involved with the delivery or receipt of disability services and, if deemed appropriate, shall make recommendations to the Governor, the board, the department, or the division with respect to such complaints or grievances. The Governor's council shall also provide guidance and assistance to the regional boards, hospitals, community service boards, and other private or public providers in the performance of their duties.