(1) Annually the council shall elect from its membership a chairperson and alternate chairperson who shall be from different houses. The position of chairperson shall alternate between the senate and the house of representatives.

    (2) The business which the council may perform shall be conducted at a public meeting of the council held in compliance with the open meetings act, Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of 1976, being sections 15.261 to 15.275 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. Public notice of the time, date, and place of the meeting shall be given in the manner required by Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of 1976.

    (3) The council shall meet not less than 3 times per year. Special meetings shall be held on call of the chairperson or a majority of the members of the council. The council shall prescribe rules for its own procedure. A majority of the council constitutes a quorum, but a smaller number may transact routine business and receive reports from the staff. A majority of the membership shall concur in any recommendation of the council.

    (4) The council may report its findings and recommendations to the legislature and may accompany the council's report with proposed bills to implement its recommendations.

    (5) The chairperson of the council or a member designated by the chairperson, upon majority vote of the council may administer oaths, subpoena witnesses, and examine books and records of a person, partnership, or corporation involved in a matter properly before the council. The council may create subcommittees that may include members of the legislature who are not members of the council. Noncouncil members of subcommittees may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the administration of their duties.

    (6) Except for a report or recommendation prepared by the legislative corrections ombudsman under section 10 of Act No. 46 of the Public Acts of 1975, being section 4.360 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, a writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the council in the performance of an official function shall be made available to the public in compliance with the freedom of information act, Act No. 442 of the Public Acts of 1976, being sections 15.231 to 15.246 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.