There is in the Civil Rights Department the Civil Rights Council. The council shall consist of seven members, to be known as council members, who shall be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and one of whom shall be designated as chairperson by the Governor. The Director of the Civil Rights Department shall serve as a nonvoting ex-officio member of the council.

1. (a) Appointments made to the council on and after January 1, 2017, shall be for the following terms:

   1. (1) Four of the members appointed shall serve terms of four years.
   2. (2) Three of the members appointed shall serve terms of two years.
2. (b) Each member appointed after the expiration of the initial terms set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) shall serve a term of four years.
3. (c) Vacancies occurring prior to the expiration of the term shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.