Maryland

Of the councilÍs 18 members, eight are public members from the community and nine serve as ex-officio. Out of nine public members, five shall be deaf and hard of hearing individuals, and one shall have special knowledge relating to services to individuals who are deafblind. The public members are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent (Code State Government Article, sections. 9-2404 through 9-2406). The members are staggered in three different 3-year terms and a member may not serve consecutively more than two 3-year terms. At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. Any member who fails to attend at least 50 percent of the regularly scheduled meetings during any 12-month period shall be considered to have resigned.