(a) On or before January 1, after reviewing all proposals submitted pursuant to Section 78545, the department shall annually select at least two treatment demonstration projects, to be commenced during that calendar year, using, at a minimum, the criteria specified in Section 78535.
(b) If the department determines that the required number of demonstrations required by subdivision (a) cannot be initiated consistent with the criteria specified in Section 78535 in any fiscal year, the department shall inform the appropriate committees of the Legislature of the reasons for its inability to conduct these demonstration projects.
(c) Each treatment demonstration project selected pursuant to this section shall be performed by the applicant, or by a person approved by the applicant and the department.