The Maine-Island of Ireland Trade Commission, referred to in this section as "the commission," is established by Title 5, section 12004-K, subsection 10-A to promote cooperation between this State and the island of Ireland. [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] 1. Membership. The commission consists of 9 members appointed as follows: A. Two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, including one member of the party holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature and one member of the party holding the 2nd largest number of seats in the Legislature; [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] B. Two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, including one member of the party holding the largest number of seats in the Legislature and one member of the party holding the 2nd largest number of seats in the Legislature; and [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] C. The following 5 members, appointed by the Governor: (1) A representative of a public institution of higher education; (2) A representative of a statewide chamber of commerce; (3) Two members representing Irish-American communities, organizations or interests; and (4) One member of the public. [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] In making the appointments under this subsection, the appointing authorities shall, to the greatest extent possible, consider and appoint individuals with knowledge of or current or past involvement in organizations that promote Irish or Irish-American affairs. [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] 2. Terms. Legislative members of the commission serve during the term of office for which they were elected. The members of the commission appointed pursuant to subsection 1, paragraph C serve 4-year terms. [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] 3. Compensation. Notwithstanding Title 3, section 2 or any other provision of law to the contrary, members of the commission serve without compensation. [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] 4. Vacancies. A member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed serves only for the remainder of that term. The vacancy must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made. [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] 5. Chair, vice-chair and subcommittees. The commission shall elect a chair and a vice-chair from among its members. The chair may appoint from among the commission members subcommittees and subcommittee chairs at the chair's discretion. [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] 6. Meetings. The first-named Senate member shall call the initial meeting of the commission within 30 days after the 6th member is appointed. The commission shall meet at such times and places as are agreed to by the commission but shall meet at least once annually. [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] 7. Quorum. A majority of the members of the commission constitutes a quorum, and a quorum is required for the transaction of the business of the commission. [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] 8. Duties. The commission shall work to advance bilateral trade and investment between Maine and the island of Ireland; initiate joint action of policy issues of mutual interest to Maine and the island of Ireland; promote business and academic exchanges between Maine and the island of Ireland; encourage mutual economic support between Maine and the island of Ireland; encourage mutual investment in the infrastructure of Maine and the island of Ireland; and address other issues as determined by the commission. [RR 2023, c. 2, Pt. A, §18 (COR).] 9. Report. The commission shall submit a report to the Governor and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over innovation, development, economic advancement and business matters by February 1, 2025 and annually thereafter regarding the activities of the commission during the preceding calendar year. The report must include recommendations as determined appropriate by the commission to effectuate its purpose under this section. After reviewing the report under this subsection, the joint standing committee may report out legislation relating to the report. [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] 10. Funding. To support its activities under this section, the commission shall seek outside funds, through direct solicitation or other fundraising methods, alone or with other groups, and may accept gifts, grants and bequests from individuals, corporations, foundations, governmental agencies and public and private organizations and may expend those funds for purposes consistent with this section. [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).] 11. Staffing. Subject to the availability of funding under subsection 10, the commission shall contract for or employ administrative, professional, clerical and other necessary staff to support its activities under this section. [PL 2023, c. 616, §3 (NEW).]
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