SF0126

Establishes the Wyoming-Ireland Trade Commission to advance business, trade, and mutually beneficial activities between Wyoming and Ireland.

• Creates the Wyoming-Ireland Trade Commission as a new entity. (W.S. 9-12-1601)
• 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 person appointed by the board of directors of the council. (W.S. 9-12-1602(a))
• Requires governor and board appointees to represent Wyoming higher education institutions, the Irish-American community, Wyoming industries engaged in trade with Ireland, or business associations and economic development organizations interested in furthering trade with Ireland. (W.S. 9-12-1602(b))
• Sets nonlegislative member terms at two years beginning March 1 of odd-numbered years, with legislative members serving for their biennial legislative term. Allows reappointment and removal with or without cause by the appointing authority. (W.S. 9-12-1602(c), (d), (e))
• Requires the commission to meet at least quarterly, elect a chairman annually from appointed legislators, and maintain a quorum of a majority of members. Authorizes the chairman to appoint subcommittees. (W.S. 9-12-1602(f), (g))
• Provides that the Wyoming Business Council furnishes clerical and administrative support for the commission. (W.S. 9-12-1602(h))
• Establishes compensation for commission members: nonlegislative members receive per diem and travel reimbursement under W.S. 9-3-102 and 9-3-103, while legislative members receive salary and reimbursement under W.S. 28-5-101. (W.S. 9-12-1602(j), (k))
• Specifies the commission's purposes to include advancing bilateral trade and investment, joint action on policy issues, business and academic exchanges, mutual economic support, infrastructure investment, and other opportunities for mutual benefit and economic growth between Wyoming and Ireland.