(

a) A commission member shall apply this

chapter in a manner that is impartial and that reinforces public confidence in the integrity of the redistricting process. (

b) The term of office of each member of the commission expires upon the appointment of the first member of the succeeding commission. (

c) Nine members of the commission shall constitute a quorum. Nine or more affirmative votes shall be required for any official action. (d)

(1) The commission shall not retain a consultant who would not be qualified as an applicant pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (

d) of

Section 21592.

(2) For purposes of this subdivision, “consultant” means a person, whether or not compensated, retained to advise the commission or a commission member regarding any aspect of the redistricting process. (

e) Each commission member shall be a designated employee for purposes of the conflict of interest code adopted by the County of Sacramento pursuant to

Article 3 (commencing with

Section 87300) of

Chapter of Title of the Government Code. (f)

(1) A member of an independent redistricting commission established pursuant to

Section shall not communicate with any individual or organization regarding redistricting matters outside of a public meeting.

(2) This subdivision does not do either of the following: (

A) Restrict the commission from communicating with the staff of the legislative body of the local jurisdiction regarding administrative matters of the commission. (

B) Restrict a commissioner from directly communicating with another commissioner, commission staff, legal counsel, or consultants retained by the commission.