(a) There is established a working group to discuss hiring ratios for apprentices, journeymen and contractors and study the hiring ratio relief process. The working group shall meet at least three times annually and shall study and make recommendations related to apprentices, journeymen and contractors.

(b) The working group shall consist of ten members, and shall be evenly divided between members of the following union and nonunion industry trade groups: The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Independent Electrical Contractors of New England, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut, Sheet Metal Local 40, Sprinkler Fitters Local 669, the Connecticut chapter of American Fire Sprinkler Association, the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 777, the Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors of Connecticut, the Connecticut Heating and Cooling Contractors and the Connecticut State Building and Construction Trades Council. Each union industry trade group member shall be either the business manager of such group or such business manager’s designee from such group. Each nonunion industry trade group member shall be either the president of such group or such president’s designee from such group.

(c) Such members shall be selected as follows:

(1) Two union members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives;

(2) Two union members appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate;

(3) One nonunion member appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives;

(4) One union member appointed by the majority leader of the Senate;

(5) Two nonunion members appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; and

(6) Two nonunion members appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.

(d) All appointing authorities shall consult with the chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the Department of Consumer Protection prior to making any appointments pursuant to this section.

(e) All appointments to the working group shall be made not later than thirty days after the effective date of this section. Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority.

(f) The members of the working group shall select the chairpersons of the working group from among the members of the group. One chairperson shall be a union member and one chairperson shall be a nonunion member. Such chairpersons shall schedule the first meeting of the working group.

(g) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the Department of Consumer Protection shall serve as administrative staff of the working group.

(h) Not later than December 1, 2017, and annually thereafter, the working group shall submit a report on its recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the Department of Consumer Protection, in accordance with the provisions of § 11-4a.