(a)    There is a Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Biotechnology.

(b)    The Committee consists of the following 12 members:

(1)    six members of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate; and

(2)    six members of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House.

(c)    The members of the Committee serve at the pleasure of the presiding officer who appointed them.

(d)    The President and the Speaker shall appoint jointly a Senator and a Delegate to serve as cochairs who shall alternate in serving as the presiding chair of the Committee each year.

(e)    The Committee shall:

(1)    work to broaden the support, knowledge, and awareness of advances in cybersecurity, information technology, and biotechnology to benefit the people of Maryland;

(2)    evaluate State cybersecurity systems and the adequacy of economic development and job skills training programs to advance cybersecurity in the State;

(3)    make recommendations regarding actions to promote cybersecurity, information technology, and biotechnology industries in the State; and

(4)    examine and evaluate additional cybersecurity–, information technology–, or biotechnology–related issues as designated by the cochairs of the Committee.

(f)    The Committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this title, the Legislative Policy Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the House Economic Matters Committee on or before December 31 of each year.