ENTITLED An Act to create the South Dakota-Ireland Trade Commission.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added to title 1:

The South Dakota-Ireland Trade Commission is created to:

(1) Advance bilateral trade and investment between this state and Ireland;

(2) Initiate joint action on issues of mutual interest to this state and Ireland;

(3) Promote business and academic exchanges between this state and Ireland;

(4) Encourage mutual economic support between this state and Ireland;

(5) Encourage mutual investment in the infrastructure of this state and Ireland; and

(6) Address any other issues deemed to be of mutual benefit to this state and Ireland.

Section 2. That a NEW SECTION be added to title 1:

The South Dakota-Ireland Trade Commission consists of:

(1) Two members of the Senate, appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate;

(2) Two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the speaker of the House;

(3) A representative of a private sector association headquartered in this state and focused on the promotion of international trade, appointed by the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council; and

(4) The secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, or the secretary's designee.

Each appointed member shall serve for a term of two years and may be reappointed without limit. If a position becomes vacant, the position must be filled, for the duration of the term, in the same manner as the original appointment.

Section 3. That a NEW SECTION be added to title 1:

The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources shall provide administrative services to the South Dakota-Ireland Trade Commission.

At the initial meeting of the commission and annually thereafter, the members shall select one from among the four appointed legislators to serve as the chair. The commission shall meet at least quarterly, at the call of the chair.

Section 4. That a NEW SECTION be added to title 1:

There is established in the state treasury the South Dakota-Ireland trade fund. The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources shall administer the fund. The purpose of the fund is to defray the administrative expenses of the commission and support the commission's efforts to carry out its purposes, as set forth in section 1 of this Act.

The fund consists of all moneys raised by or on behalf of the commission, together with any gifts, grants, or other donations. Interest on moneys credited to the fund must remain in the fund.

The South Dakota-Ireland trade fund is continuously appropriated to the South Dakota-Ireland Trade Commission.

Section 5. That a NEW SECTION be added to title 1:

Each member of the South Dakota-Ireland Trade Commission is entitled to receive reimbursement for necessary expenses, as provided for in   4-7-10.4, from moneys in the South Dakota-Ireland trade fund, if the member is performing duties directed by the commission.

Section 6. That a NEW SECTION be added to title 1:

On or before November first of each year, the South Dakota-Ireland Trade Commission shall provide a report to the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council. The report must include:

(1) A description of the commission's work;

(2) A description of benefits to the state and to sectors involved in international trade, attributable to the commission's efforts;

(3) Recommendations for legislative action that would support trade between this state and Ireland; and

(4) A summary of anticipated commission activities in the ensuing year.

An Act to create the South Dakota-Ireland Trade Commission.

I certify that the attached Act originated in the: Senate as Bill No. 165 Secretary of the Senate President of the Senate Attest: Secretary of the Senate Speaker of the House Attest: Chief Clerk Senate Bill No. 165 File No. ____ Chapter No. ______

Received at this Executive Office this _____ day of _____________, 2024 at ____________M. By for the Governor The attached Act is hereby approved this ________ day of ______________, A.D., 2024 Governor STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA, ss. Office of the Secretary of State Filed ____________, 2024 at _________ o'clock __