H.B. 1147                                                VETOES

[15-101.] 15-101.1.

There is a [Forvm for] Rural Maryland COUNCIL.
15-102.

(A)     The [Forvm is a rural development council] COUNCIL IS DESIGNATED AS
A STATE RURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL THAT BRINGS TOGETHER CITIZENS AND
REPRESENTATIVES OF PUBLIC SECTOR ENTITIES AND PRIVATE SECTOR
ORGANIZATIONS TO COLLABORATIVELY ADDRESS PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES
FACING RURAL COMMUNITIES IN MARYLAND.

(B)     The [Forvm] COUNCIL may undertake any activity that addresses issues
and concerns of the citizens of rural Maryland as long as the activity is not
inconsistent with the [Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Governor and
the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture concerning the
operation of the Forvm] PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL
INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002 (PL. 107-171, SECTION 6021) REGARDING THE NATIONAL
RURAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP AND STATE RURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS.

15-103.

(a)     The membership of the [Forvm] COUNCIL is open to any citizen of
Maryland who [subscribes to the goals of the Forvm and who] has an interest in
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN rural Maryland.

(b)     The [Forvm] COUNCIL shall include:

(1)     The Governor or the Governor's designee;

(2)     As nonvoting members, three members of the Maryland State
Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, one each from the three rural
regions of the State;

(3)     As nonvoting members, three members of the Maryland House of
Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, one each from the
three rural regions of the State;

(4)      AS A NONVOTING MEMBER, ONE MEMBER OF THE MARYLAND STATE
SENATE OR MARYLAND HOUSE OF DELEGATES REPRESENTING HARFORD COUNTY
SELECTED JOINTLY BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE
HOUSE OF DELEGATES;

[(4)] (5) As determined under the bylaws of the [Forvm] COUNCIL:

(i) Representatives from LOCAL, STATE, AND federal agencies that
serve rural interests; and

(ii) Representatives from private sector organizations, including
rural-based for-profit and nonprofit organizations and rural client groups; and

[(5)] (6) Any other individual who elects to join the [Forvm] COUNCIL
and who qualifies under subsection (a) of this section.

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