SF0144

Establishes the Wyoming-Ireland Trade Commission to promote business, trade, and economic development between Wyoming and Ireland.

• Creates the Wyoming-Ireland Trade Commission as a new state entity. (W.S. 9-12-1601, Sec. 1)
• Establishes commission membership of nine members: two appointed by the governor, two House members appointed by the Speaker, two Senate members appointed by the President, one House member appointed by the House minority leader, one Senate member appointed by the Senate minority leader, and one member appointed by the board. (W.S. 9-12-1602(a), Sec. 1)
• Requires members appointed by the governor and board to represent Wyoming institutions of higher education, the Irish-American community, Wyoming industries engaged in or seeking to engage in trade with Ireland, or business associations and chambers of commerce interested in Ireland trade. (W.S. 9-12-1602(b), Sec. 1)
• Sets non-legislative member terms at two years beginning March 1, with legislative members serving for the biennial legislative session in which appointed. Allows reappointment and permits appointing authorities to remove members without cause. (W.S. 9-12-1602(c), (d), (e), Sec. 1)
• Requires the commission to meet at least quarterly, with the chairman selected annually from among appointed legislators. A majority constitutes a quorum for conducting business. (W.S. 9-12-1602(f), (g), Sec. 1)
• Provides that non-legislative members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses under W.S. 9-3-102 and 9-3-103, while legislative members receive salary and reimbursement as provided in W.S. 28-5-101. (W.S. 9-12-1602(j), (k), Sec. 1)
• Specifies the commission's purposes as advancing and promoting bilateral trade and investment, joint action on mutual policy issues, business and academic exchanges, mutual economic support, infrastructure investment, and other opportunities for mutual benefit and economic growth between Wyoming and Ireland. (W.S. 9-12-1603(a), Sec. 1)
• Requires the commission to report its findings, activities, results, and recommendations to the governor, House Speaker, and Senate President not later than one year after its initial meeting and by November 1 annually thereafter, with authority to include recommendations or proposed legislation.