(a) The assigned policy committee shall solicit applications from persons who wish to serve as a representative from one of the interest groups or agencies identified in Health and Safety Code Section 44272.5, and may solicit applications from other persons who wish to represent interest groups beyond those listed in Health and Safety Code Section 44272.5.

(b) Anyone wishing to serve on the advisory committee by representing an interest group not identified in Health and Safety Code Section 44272.5(b) may apply to the assigned policy committee during any solicitation for applications. The assigned policy committee shall have the discretion to allow for one or more additional interest groups to be represented on the advisory committee. Such a determination shall consider whether representation of an additional interest group serves to diversify input from the advisory committee and whether the applicant has particular knowledge or expertise that would benefit public discussions and recommendations.

(c) The assigned policy committee shall notify interested persons at least 14 days in advance of any opportunity to serve as a representative on the advisory committee. The notice shall describe the process for selecting representatives, any criteria that will be used to choose between two or more persons wishing to represent the same interest group, and the number of representatives to be selected. Those selected to serve on the advisory committee shall serve at the pleasure of the assigned policy committee, except that the policy committee shall ensure that each interest group identified in Health and Safety Code Section 44272.5(b) is represented on the advisory committee.