Section 149.60
(A) The Ohio Ireland trade commission is created. The commission shall study potential means of advancing the following:
(1) Bilateral trade and investment between Ohio and Ireland;
(2) Policy issues of mutual interest to Ohio and Ireland;
(3) Business and academic exchanges between Ohio and Ireland;
(4) Mutual economic support between Ohio and Ireland;
(5) Mutual investment in the infrastructure of Ohio and Ireland;
(6) Other issues as determined by the commission.
(B) The commission shall consist of the following members:
(1) Three members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate, who have knowledge of, or current or past involvement in, organizations that promote Irish affairs, or have interest in the well-being of trade relations between Ohio and Ireland;
(2) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, who have knowledge of, or current or past involvement in, organizations that promote Irish affairs, or have interest in the well-being of trade relations between Ohio and Ireland;
(3) Three members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, who shall include the following:
(a) One member who represents a state institution of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code;
(b) One member who represents the Ohio chamber of commerce or a successor organization that advances business interests in this state;
(c) One member who represents Irish American communities or interest in this state.
(C) Members of the commission shall be appointed not later than ninety days after the effective date of this section. Members of the commission appointed under divisions (B)(1) and (2) of this section shall serve terms of two years or for the remainder of the member's legislative term, whichever is less. Members of the commission appointed under division (B)(3) of this section shall serve terms of four years. Any vacancy on the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(D) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses actually incurred in the performance of their duties, within the limits of funds available to the commission for such purposes.
(E)(1) The commission shall meet and hold hearings at the places it designates throughout the state.
(2) The commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members of the commission. The chairperson may appoint from the commission members of subcommittees and subcommittee chairpersons at the chairperson's discretion.
(3) A majority of the members of the commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of the business of the commission.
(F) Not later than fifteen months after the effective date of this section, and annually thereafter, the commission shall issue a report of its activities during the preceding year, and any associated findings and recommendations, to the governor, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives.
(G) 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. The funds, gifts, grants, or bequests received pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the Ohio Ireland trade commission fund, which is created in the state treasury. The commission shall use the fund to defray the commission's administrative expenses and to carry out its purposes set forth in this section.
Last updated February 20, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Available Versions of this Section
- April 3, 2025 – Enacted by Senate Bill 54 - 135th General Assembly [ View April 3, 2025 Version ]