(a)

1. (1) The Community Services Block Grant Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9901 et seq., as amended in 1998, requires the state lead agency to provide an assurance that each community action agency or nonprofit organization administering the Community Services Block Grant program has a tripartite board which will be constituted as follows:

   1. (A)

(i) One-third (1/3) of the members of the board are elected public officials, currently holding office or their representatives, except if the number of elected officials reasonably available and willing to serve is less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the board.

1. (ii) Membership on the board of appointed public officials may be counted in meeting such one-third (1/3) requirement;

   1. (B) At least one-third (1/3) of the members are persons chosen in accordance with democratic selection policies adequate to ensure that they are representative of the low income in the area served; and
   2. (C) The members remaining are comprised of representatives of business, industry, labor, religious, welfare, education, or other major groups and interests in the community.
2. (2) Strict adherence to these requirements is necessary in order for a member to be eligible for receipt of Community Services Block Grant funding and for continued designation as an eligible entity.

(b)

1. (1) The bylaws of the organization must set forth the process for compliance with the federal and state statutory mandates for the composition of the board of directors.
2. (2) A copy of the bylaws must be on file with the Office of Program Planning and Community Grant Services of the Division of County Operations.
3. (3) The eligible entities are required to comply with the process set forth in its bylaws.