SB3254 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 36665 MXP 66774 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
SB3254

Introduced 2/6/2024, by Sen. Bill Cunningham

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Illinois-Ireland Trade Commission Act. Creates the Illinois-Ireland Trade Commission. Establishes membership of the Commission. Provides that the President of the Senate shall designate a Chair and Vice-Chair from among Commission members. Provides that the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall provide administrative support for the Commission. Provides that the members of the Commission shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties on the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall meet at least twice per calendar year, beginning in 2024. Provides that the Commission may raise funds, through direct solicitation or other fundraising events, alone, or with other groups, and accept gifts, grants, and bequests from individuals, corporations, foundations, governmental agencies, and public and private organizations and institutions. Provides that funds shall only be used to carry out the duties of the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall file a report by the end of each calendar year detailing any actions made by the Commission, as well as new or expanded relations between Illinois and Irish entities, with the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Illinois-Ireland Trade Commission Act.

Section 5. Findings. The General Assembly finds that:

(1) As a result of the Brexit agreement following the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, Northern Ireland uniquely now has access to both the United Kingdom's market of 67,000,000 people and the European Union market of 450,000,000 people.

(2) There are 950 United States companies based in Ireland, using it as a gateway to the European Union.

(3) Ireland is the 9th largest investor in the United States.

(4) International trade is critical for the economic growth and prosperity of the State of Illinois, supports well-paid jobs in Illinois, raises Illinois living standards, and helps Illinoisans provide for their families with affordable goods and services.

Section 10. Illinois-Ireland Trade Commission. The Illinois-Ireland Trade Commission is created to build on the 2-way relationship between Illinois and Ireland to promote economic growth, trade, and education. The Commission shall be composed of the following members:

(1) one member of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate;

(2) one member of the Senate appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;

(3) one member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(4) one member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;

(5) the Deputy Governor for Budget and Economy or his or her designee;

(6) the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or his or her designee;

(7) the Consul General of Ireland in Chicago or his or her designee;

(8) the Executive Director of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce or his or her designee;

(9) the President of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce or his or her designee;

(10) the President of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association or his or her designee;

(11) the President of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association or his or her designee; and

(12) the President of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association or his or her designee.

Section 15. Chair and Vice-Chair. The President of the Senate shall designate a Chair and Vice-Chair from among Commission members.

Section 20. Administrative support. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall provide administrative support for the Commission.

Section 25. Reimbursement for expenses. The members of the Commission shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties on the Commission.

Section 30. Meetings. The Commission shall meet at least twice per calendar year, beginning in 2024.

Section 35. Funds; gifts. The Commission may raise funds, through direct solicitation or other fundraising events, alone, or with other groups, and accept gifts, grants, and bequests from individuals, corporations, foundations, governmental agencies, and public and private organizations and institutions. Funds shall only be used to carry out the duties of the Commission.

Section 40. Annual report. The Commission shall file a report by the end of each calendar year detailing any actions made by the Commission, as well as new or expanded relations between Illinois and Irish entities, with the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.