R.I. Gen. Laws § 22-7.6-2

There is created a permanent joint committee of the general assembly on small business to consist of eleven (11) members of the general assembly, five (5) of whom shall be from the senate to be appointed by the president of the senate, six (6) of whom shall be from the house of representatives to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. The chairpersonship of the committee shall alternate biannually from the house to the senate.