In this subtitle, “Commission” means the Maryland–Ireland Trade Commission.

There is a Maryland–Ireland Trade Commission in the Department. The purpose of the Commission is to study and promote trade between Maryland and Ireland.

The Commission consists of the following members: the Secretary, or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of State, or the Secretary of State’s designee; one member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate, who has knowledge of organizations that promote Irish affairs, or current or past involvement in organizations that promote Irish affairs, or has an interest in the well–being of trade relations between Maryland and Ireland; one member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House, who has knowledge of organizations that promote Irish affairs, or current or past involvement in organizations that promote Irish affairs, or has an interest in the well–being of trade relations between Maryland and Ireland; and the following members, appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate: one representative of a public institution of higher education; one representative of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce or its successor organization; two representatives of the Irish–American community, who may not be of the same political party; and two members of the private sector. The chair and vice chair of the Commission shall be elected from among the members of the Commission. A member of the Commission: may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. The Governor may remove an appointed member for incompetence, misconduct, or failure to perform the duties of the position.

The Commission shall study and make recommendations regarding: advancing bilateral trade and investment between Maryland and Ireland; initiating joint action on policy issues of mutual interest to Maryland and Ireland; promoting business and academic exchanges between Maryland and Ireland; encouraging mutual economic support between Maryland and Ireland; encouraging mutual investment in the infrastructure of Maryland and Ireland; and other issues as determined by the Commission. On or before December 1, 2025, and each December 1 thereafter, the Commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.