(1) The commissioner shall appoint an advisory committee to review issues and topics of interest related to this chapter.

(2)(a) The committee is composed of eight voting members:

(i) Four voting members representing agricultural workers' interests: One of whom shall be a farmworker; and all of whom shall be appointed from a list of at least four names submitted by a recognized statewide organization of workers;

(ii) Four voting members representing agricultural employers: One of whom shall be an agricultural employer; and all of whom shall be appointed from a list of at least four names submitted by a recognized statewide organization of agricultural employers; and

(iii) One ex officio member, without a vote, shall represent the department and serve as the chair.

(b) The department of labor and industries, department of health, and department of agriculture shall each have one nonvoting ex officio member serve on the advisory committee.

(3) On issues and topics of interest related to this chapter, the committee shall provide comment on department rule making, policies, implementation of this chapter, and initiatives, and study issues the committee determines require consideration.

(4) In even years, the committee shall submit a report to the governor and the legislature by October 31st that:

(a) Identifies and recommends approaches to increase the effectiveness of the employment security department's recruitment process as part of the H-2A application. If deemed advisable by the committee, the report may include recommended changes to state law that would lead to increased recruitment and hiring of domestic workers in agricultural employment in Washington; and

(b) Analyzes the costs incurred by the office to administer the H-2A program, the funds to administer other department programs for farmworkers, and the amount of funds allocated by the federal government to administer the H-2A program and all other agricultural programs within the department.

(5) The committee members shall serve without compensation, but are entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. The committee may utilize department personnel and facilities as it needs, without charge.