(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, six members of the committee, including alternates acting for members, shall constitute a quorum and any decision, recommendation or other action of the committee shall require not less than five concurring votes including one by a handler, or an alternate acting as such: Provided, That if the committee is increased by one, the quorum requirement shall be increased to seven and any decision, recommendation or other action of the committee shall require not less than six concurring votes including one by a handler, or an alternate acting as such.

(b) The committee may provide for simultaneous meetings of groups of its members assembled at two or more designated places: Provided, That such meetings shall be subject to the establishment of telephone communication between all such groups and the availability of loud speaker receivers for each group so that each member may participate in the discussions and other actions the same as if the committee were assembled in one place.

(c) For any recommendation of the committee for an assessment rate change, a quorum of seven committee members and a two-thirds majority vote of approval of those in attendance is required.