Bill > HB1489

This bill establishes the Indiana-Ireland Trade Commission, a temporary commission within Indiana's executive branch designed to foster stronger bilateral relations between Indiana and Ireland. The commission will consist of 13 members: 9 voting members appointed by the governor (including representatives from the chamber of commerce, higher education, Irish American communities, and public service) and 4 non-voting legislative members. The commission's primary objectives include advancing trade and investment, initiating joint policy actions, promoting business and academic exchanges, encouraging economic support and infrastructure investment, and addressing other mutually beneficial issues. The commission will meet at least three times per year, with the first meeting to be called by the governor before July 1, 2025. Members will serve four-year terms and will not receive compensation, and the commission is required to submit an annual report to the governor and general assembly detailing its activities and recommendations. The commission will have the ability to accept gifts and grants to support its operations and will be subject to public meeting and record-keeping requirements. Importantly, the commission is set to expire on June 30, 2029, making it a time-limited initiative to strengthen Indiana-Ireland relations.