There is created a permanent joint committee of the general assembly on economic development to consist of eleven (11) members of the general assembly, five (5) of whom shall be from the senate to be appointed by the president of the senate not more than three (3) of whom shall be from the same political party, and six (6) of whom shall be from the house of representatives to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives not more than four (4) of whom shall be from the same political party. The selection of the chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary of the committee shall alternate biennially between the president of the senate and the speaker of the house as set forth in this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 22-7.9-1