(a)      The Commission on Aging is a part of the Department and shall exercise the powers and duties specified in this article.

      (b)      The Commission consists of 13 members appointed by the Governor. Of the 13 members, 1 shall be a member of the Senate of Maryland, 1 shall be a member of the House of Delegates of Maryland and 11 shall be selected to reflect geographic representation and because of their interest in the problems of the aging. Of the 13 members, not less than 7 shall be 55 years of age or over. The Governor shall designate 1 of the 13 members as chairman of the Commission. The members appointed from the General Assembly of Maryland shall be appointed for a term of 4 years as nonvoting members of the Commission. Beginning in 1983, of the members who are not from the General Assembly, 4 shall be appointed for an initial term of 4 years, 4 shall be appointed for an initial term of 3 years, and 3 shall be appointed for an initial term of 2 years. Thereafter, all appointments shall be for terms of 4 years. In case of a vacancy, the Governor shall appoint a successor to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. Members are eligible to serve a maximum of 2 consecutive terms. The limitation of tenure shall not apply to any members from the General Assembly of Maryland.

      (c)      The members of the Commission may not receive any compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, as provided in the State budget.

      (d)      The Commission on Aging shall review and make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to ongoing statewide programs and activities and prior to implementation of new programs serving the elderly. The Commission shall, in addition, prepare and submit an annual report to the Governor and Secretary, including recommendations for legislative or other actions to strengthen such programs and activities.