(a) There is a Maryland Offshore Wind Business Development Advisory Committee.
(b) The Advisory Committee shall make recommendations to the Administration on the most effective manner to use money in the Fund consistent with the purposes of the Fund.
(c) The Advisory Committee consists of the following members:
(1) two members of the Senate of Maryland, one from each of the principal political parties, appointed by the President of the Senate;
(2) two members of the House of Delegates, one from each of the principal political parties, appointed by the Speaker of the House;
(3) the Director or the Director’s designee;
(4) the Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary’s designee;
(5) the Special Secretary of the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs, or the Special Secretary’s designee; and
(6) the following 12 members, appointed by the Governor:
(i) 1 representative of a public institution of higher education in the State;
(ii) 1 representative of a historically black or African American university in the State;
(iii) 1 representative of the State’s community colleges;
(iv) 1 representative of the Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities Association;
(v) 1 representative of the Maryland Small Business Development Center Network;
(vi) 1 representative of the Maryland Business Coalition for Offshore Wind;
(vii) 1 representative of a business incubator in the State with experience in providing services to minority business enterprises as defined in § 14–301 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, or to emerging businesses, including emerging businesses owned by minorities;
(viii) 1 individual with experience in providing business financing to minority business enterprises as defined in § 14–301 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, or to emerging businesses, including emerging businesses owned by minorities;
(ix) 1 representative of an offshore wind developer;
(x) 1 representative of an original equipment manufacturer;
(xi) 1 individual who is a minority business advocate; and
(xii) 1 individual with experience in offshore wind supply chain issues.
(d) The Governor shall appoint the chair of the Advisory Committee.
(e) The Administration shall provide staff for the Advisory Committee.
(f) A member of the Advisory Committee:
(1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Committee; but
(2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
(g) (1) On or before December 31, 2013, the Advisory Committee shall provide written recommendations to the Administration regarding the most effective use of money in the Fund in order to maximize opportunities for emerging businesses in the State, including minority–owned emerging businesses, to participate in the offshore wind industry.
(2) In making a recommendation under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Advisory Committee shall consider opportunities to maximize leveraging opportunities, mentoring and protege models, innovation clusters, existing incubator and business development programs, and the appropriate role of partnerships with the State’s universities and community colleges.
(3) On or before December 31, 2014, the Advisory Committee shall provide updated recommendations to the Administration.
(h) On completion and submission of the written recommendations required under subsection (g) of this section, the Advisory Committee shall terminate its operation and cease to meet.