(a) The functions of the State Committee of Blind Vendors are to:

1. (1) Actively participate with the Division of State Services for the Blind in major administrative policy program development decisions affecting the overall administration of the Vending Facility Program;
2. (2) Receive and transmit to the division grievances at the request of blind vendors, serve as advocates for such vendors in connection with such grievances, and to advocate for such vendors, including themselves, in a professional and business-like manner, in connection with such grievances presented to Vending Facility Program administration;
3. (3) Actively participate with the division in the development and administration of a state system for the transfer and promotion of blind vendors;
4. (4) Actively participate with the division in the development of training and retraining programs for blind vendors; and
5. (5) Sponsor, with the assistance of the division, meetings and instructional conferences for blind vendors within the state.

(c)

1. (1) In order to ensure opportunities for effective and constructive, active participation by the committee, the committee will receive advance written notice of matters within its purview that are being considered for decision.
2. (2) Appropriate subcommittees will receive notice of and invitations to attend important discussions and decision-making meetings in areas of the subcommittees' interests.

(d)

1. (1) The committee at each of its meetings shall have the opportunity to initiate matters for consideration by it and the division.
2. (2) The division shall give the views and positions of the committee careful and serious consideration.
3. (3) Although the division has the ultimate responsibility for the administration of the Vending Facility Program, it shall notify the committee in writing of the decision reached or the action taken if it does not adopt the views and positions of the committee.