Missouri commission studies and reports on trade ties with Ireland

The law establishes the Missouri Ireland Trade Commission in the Department of Economic Development. The commission has nine members: three state senators, three state representatives, and three governor-appointed members representing higher education, statewide business interests, and Irish-American communities or interests.

The commission studies ways to advance Missouri-Ireland ties and reports its work, findings, and recommendations to state leaders. The commission may study trade and investment, shared policy issues, business and academic exchanges, mutual economic support, infrastructure investment, and other issues it chooses. The first report is due within 15 months after the section takes effect. After that, the commission reports annually on its work during the previous year.

Commission members serve without pay, and the commission may raise or accept money for its work. These provisions cover commission members and money raised or received under this section. Members may be repaid for actual expenses only within funds available to the commission. Money raised or received under the section goes into a state treasury fund. The state treasurer may approve payments from it. The commission uses the fund for administrative costs and its work.