(a) The membership of the Council is open to any resident of the State who has an interest in improving the quality of life in rural areas of the State and chooses to join the Council.

(b) The Council shall include:

(1) the Governor or the Governor’s designee;

(2) as determined under the bylaws of the 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

(3) as nonvoting members:

(i) one member of the Senate of Maryland from each of the three rural regions of the State, appointed by the President of the Senate;

(ii) one member of the House of Delegates from each of the three rural regions of the State, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and

(iii) one member of the Senate of Maryland or the House of Delegates representing Harford County, appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.