The bill S. 665 aims to establish the "South Carolina-Bahamas Trade Commission" by adding Chapter 80 to Title 39 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. The commission will consist of fifteen members, with appointments made by the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, and the Governor. The members will serve varying initial terms, with the commission's primary purpose being to advance bilateral trade and investment between South Carolina and The Bahamas. The commission will also focus on promoting business and academic exchanges, initiating joint policy actions, and addressing mutual economic support and infrastructure investment.
Additionally, the bill outlines the operational structure of the commission, including the appointment of a chairperson by the Governor, the ability to form subcommittees, and the requirement for the commission to report its findings and recommendations annually to the Governor and the General Assembly. The commission is authorized to raise funds through various means to support its activities, and expenditures related to its administration will be exempt from certain provisions of the South Carolina Code. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.