Establishing an Iowa-Ireland trade commission and making appropriations

This bill establishes an Iowa-Ireland trade commission. The economic development authority shall provide administrative support for the commission. The commission shall be composed of eight members, as detailed in the bill. Each member shall serve for a term of two years and may be reappointed. A vacancy on the commission shall be filled by the original appointing authority for the remainder of the term. A commission member shall only be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses, including travel. The bill appropriates from the general fund to the authority an amount of moneys sufficient to pay costs incurred by the commission. At the initial meeting of the commission and biannually thereafter, the commission members shall select a chairperson from the senators and representatives on the commission. The commission shall meet a minimum of once per quarter, at the call of the chairperson, at any location that will best serve the citizens of the state. The commission’s records shall be considered a public record. A majority of commission members constitutes a quorum. The Iowa-Ireland trade commission shall, as it relates to Iowa and Ireland: (1) promote the advancement of bilateral trade and investment; (2) recommend joint action on policy issues of mutual interest; (3) promote business and academic exchanges; (4) encourage mutual economic support; (5) encourage mutual investment in infrastructure; and (6) address other issues as determined by the commission. The commission shall submit a report to the governor and the general assembly within one year of the date of the commission’s organizational meeting, and by February 1 of each year thereafter, that details the commission’s meetings, activities, and expenses for the immediately preceding calendar year.