(1) Unless removed at the governor's pleasure, councilmembers shall serve a term ending January 15 of the third year following appointment except that, with respect to members initially appointed, the governor shall designate one member to serve a term ending January 15 of the second year following appointment. Initial appointments to the council shall be made within thirty days of March 9, 1981.

(2) Each member shall serve until a successor is appointed, but if a successor is not appointed within sixty days of the beginning of a new term, the member shall be considered reappointed, subject to the consent of the senate.

(3) A vacancy on the council shall be filled for the unexpired term by the governor, with the consent of the senate.

(4) For the first available appointment and at all times thereafter, one member of Washington's delegation to the council shall reside east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains and one member shall reside west of the crest of the Cascade Mountains, except as follows: Both members may reside on the same side of the Cascade Mountains as long as this deviation does not exceed 12 months in any 10-year period.

Short title—2021 c 316: See RCW 70A.65.900.