620.4100.  Trade commission established — members, duties, appointment — hearings — annual report — fundraising, fund created, use of moneys. — 1.  There is hereby established in the department of economic development the "Missouri Ireland Trade Commission", which shall be composed of the following nine members:

  (1)  Three members of the senate, appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate, who shall 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 this state 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 this state and Ireland; and

  (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 public institution of higher education in this state;

  (b)  One member who represents a statewide organization that advances business interests in this state; and

  (c)  One member who represents Irish-American communities or interest in this state.

  2.  The commission shall study potential means of advancing the following:

  (1)  Bilateral trade and investment between this state and Ireland;

  (2)  Policy issues of mutual interest to this state and Ireland;

  (3)  Business and academic exchanges between this state and Ireland;

  (4)  Mutual economic support between this state and Ireland;

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

  (6)  Any other issues as determined by the commission.

  3.  Members of the commission shall be appointed not later than ninety days after August 28, 2026.  Members of the commission appointed from the general assembly shall serve terms of two years or for the remainder of the member's term, whichever is less.  Members of the commission appointed by the governor shall serve terms of four years.  Any vacancy on the commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

  4.  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.

  5.  The commission shall meet and hold hearings at the places it designates throughout the state.  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.  A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the commission.

  6.  Not later than fifteen months after August 28, 2026, 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 pro tempore of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives.

  7.  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 "Missouri Ireland Trade Commission Fund", which is hereby created in the state treasury.  The state treasurer shall be custodian of the fund.  In accordance with sections 30.170 and 30.180, the state treasurer may approve disbursements.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 33.080 to the contrary, any moneys remaining in the fund at the end of the biennium shall not revert to the credit of the general revenue fund.  The state treasurer shall invest moneys in the fund in the same manner as other funds are invested.  Any interest and moneys earned on such investments shall be credited to the fund.  The commission shall use the fund to defray the commission's administrative expenses and to carry out its purposes as provided in this section.