Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (e) of this section, the Council is exempt from Title 10 and Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article. The Council is subject to: the Open Meetings Act; and the Public Information Act. The employees of the Council are subject to the Public Ethics Law. The employees of the Council are not subject to the provisions of Division I of the State Personnel and Pensions Article that govern the State Personnel Management System. The Council and the employees of the Council are subject to Title 12, Subtitle 4 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. Each year, the Designated State Entity shall audit the books and records of the Council.