AN ACT to create the north carolina‑ireland trade commission.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 143 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Article to read:

Article 85.

North Carolina‑Ireland Trade Commission.

§ 143‑821.  North Carolina‑Ireland Trade Commission created; membership.

(a)        Commission Created. – The North Carolina‑Ireland Trade Commission is created. The Commission is administratively located in the Department of Commerce but shall exercise its powers independently of the Secretary of Commerce.

(b)        Membership. – The Commission shall consist of the following seven members:

(1)        Two members of the Senate, one from each party, to be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

(2)        Two members of the House of Representatives, one from each party, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(3)        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 President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

(4)        An individual active in public higher education who has an interest in North Carolina‑Ireland trade relations, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(5)        An individual recognized for the individual's achievements and experience in international business, to be appointed by the Governor.

(c)        Terms. – Members of the Commission shall serve terms of three years and are eligible for reappointment.

(d)       Vacancies. – Whenever a vacancy on the Commission exists, the appointing authority shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy.

(e)        Officers. – Members of the Commission may elect a chair and vice‑chair of the Commission.

(f)        Quorum. – A majority of the Commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

(g)        Administrative Services. – The Department of Commerce shall provide administrative services to the Commission.

(h)        Meetings. – The Commission shall meet at least twice per year.

§ 143‑822.  Duties of North Carolina‑Ireland Trade Commission.

The North Carolina‑Ireland Trade Commission has the following duties:

(1)        Encourage bilateral trade between this State and Ireland.

(2)        Encourage mutual investment in this State and Ireland, especially in infrastructure and employment.

(3)        Promote business, educational, and cultural exchanges between this State and Ireland.

(4)        Take joint action on policy issues of mutual agreement between this State and Ireland.

(5)        Submit an annual report to the General Assembly that includes the following:

a.         The number of times the Commission met during the preceding year.

b.         The minutes of the Commission's meetings.

c.         Any recommendations or requests that may assist the Commission's work.

(6)        Address any other related issues, as determined necessary by the Commission.

SECTION 2.  By October 1, 2027, the North Carolina‑Ireland Trade Commission shall submit its first annual report under G.S. 143‑822(5), as enacted by Section 1 of this act.

SECTION 3.(a)  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in nonrecurring funds for the 2026‑2027 fiscal year to provide administrative services to the North Carolina‑Ireland Trade Commission.

SECTION 3.(b)  This section becomes effective July 1, 2026.

SECTION 4.  Except as otherwise provided, this act becomes effective October 1, 2026.