2023 Tennessee Code › Title 4 - STATE GOVERNMENT (§§ 4-1-101 — 4-58-110) › Chapter 3 - CREATION, ORGANIZATION AND POWERS OF ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS AND DIVISIONS (§§ 4-3-101 — 4-3-5525) › Part 7 - DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (§§ 4-3-NEW — 4-3-739) › Section 4-3-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered]

(a)
There is created the Tennessee-Ireland trade commission, referred to in this section as the "commission".
(b)
The commission is composed of the following eleven (11) members:
(1)
Two (2) members of the senate, one (1) from each party, to be appointed by the speaker of the senate, with preference to be given to a senator who is a member of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus;
(2)
Two (2) members of the house of representatives, one (1) from each party, to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, with preference to be given to a representative who is a member of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus;
(3)
The chair of the state and local government committee of the senate, or the chair's designee who must be an elected member of the senate;
(4)
The chair of the state government committee of the house of representatives, or the chair's designee who must be an elected member of the house of representatives;
(5)
The commissioner of commerce and insurance, or the commissioner's designee;
(6)
An individual recognized for the individual's achievements and experience in international business, to be appointed by the governor;
(7)
An individual who is active in Irish-American cultural and civic affairs, with preference for an individual with a history of cooperation in the legislative process, to be appointed by the speaker of the senate;
(8)
An individual active in public higher education who has an interest in Tennessee-Ireland trade relations to be appointed by the chancellor of the University of Tennessee system; and
(9)
The president of the Tennessee Business Leadership Council, or the president's designee.
(c)
The members appointed under subdivisions (b)(6)-(8) serve terms of three (3) years, and are eligible for reappointment to the commission following the expiration of their terms.
(d)
In making appointments to the commission, the appointing authorities shall coordinate the appointments to ensure that the commission membership is inclusive and reflects the diversity of this state.
(e)
The speaker of the senate shall call the first meeting of the commission, to be held at a date no later than September 20, 2024, at which the members shall elect a chair from among the legislative membership and assign study and reporting responsibilities to the members.
(f)
Members of the commission:
(1)
Serve without compensation; and
(2)
Are not entitled to receive reimbursement for travel expenses.
(g)
The commission shall raise all moneys necessary to fund activities of the commission, including meetings and travel related to the commission's purposes.
(h)
The commission shall provide to the secretary of state a notice of all meetings, the name of each member serving on the commission, and a copy of all reports and written recommendations produced by the commission.
(i)
(1)
The commission shall meet at least twice per year.
(2)
A quorum for a meeting is six (6) members.
(3)
The commission may meet by electronic means, including for its first meeting.
(j)
The purpose of the commission is to:
(1)
Advance bilateral trade and investment between this state and the Republic of Ireland;
(2)
Encourage mutual investment in this state and the Republic of Ireland, especially in infrastructure and human capital;
(3)
Promote business, educational, and cultural exchanges between this state and the Republic of Ireland;
(4)
Take joint action on policy issues of mutual agreement between this state and the Republic of Ireland; and
(5)
Address other issues as determined necessary by the commission.
(k)
Whenever a vacancy oh the commission exists, the appointing authority shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy.
(l)
The commission shall annually submit a report to the speaker of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the legislative librarian no later than January 15, 2025, and each year thereafter. The report must include:
(1)
The number of times the commission met during the preceding twelve (12) months;
(2)
The minutes of the commission's meetings; and
(3)
Any recommendations or requests that may assist the commission's work.
(m)
The department of economic and community development shall provide administrative and professional services as needed to the commission. The department of economic and community development shall provide the administrative and professional services required by this subsection (m) using existing resources.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1014,s 1, eff. 5/28/2024.