AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCACY COUNCIL

This bill updates the membership rules for Rhode Island's Small Business Advocacy Council to ensure the group includes 21 members, including representatives from small businesses, nonprofits, and higher education. It establishes a specific appointment process where public members are selected by state officials like the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislative leaders, while also including ex officio members from various government departments. The council is required to meet at least four times a year to advise on small business issues, and its members serve without pay.