Bill
H 3376
Creates a Massachusetts Poland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade, investment, and cultural ties between Massachusetts and Poland.
Note on source material
- The bill materials provided contain two different texts: (A) a Massachusetts bill to establish a Massachusetts–Poland Trade Commission (house docket/House bill H.3376, sponsors Rep. Michael P. Kushmerek and Rep. Jacob R. Oliveira), and (B) a short South Carolina provision that repeals S.C. Code §4‑10‑470 (relating to counties authorized to impose an education capital improvements sales and use tax). The fuller, substantive text corresponds to the Massachusetts commission bill. Below are concise summaries of both, with emphasis on the Massachusetts proposal (primary text).
Purpose and intent
- Establish a standing advisory commission within the Massachusetts International Trade Office to advance and promote economic, trade, investment, academic, and community ties between the Commonwealth and the Republic of Poland.
Key provisions
- Creation: Adds Section 13V to Chapter 23A of the Massachusetts General Laws to create the “Commission on Massachusetts‑Poland Trade” within the International Trade Office.
- Duties: Study, research, analyze and recommend actions to:
- Expand bilateral trade and investment;
- Coordinate policy initiatives of mutual interest;
- Promote business and academic exchanges;
- Encourage mutual economic support and infrastructure investment;
- Create economic and educational opportunities for communities;
- Address other trade‑related issues the commission deems necessary.
- Membership (21 total):
- 6 past or current House members: 5 appointed by the Speaker, 1 by the House Minority Leader.
- 6 past or current Senate members: 5 appointed by the Senate President, 1 by the Senate Minority Leader.
- 6 gubernatorial appointees: includes the Polish Consul General to New England (or designee), Secretary of the Commonwealth (or designee), Secretary of Economic Development (or designee), and 3 representatives from institutes of higher education (from different institutions).
- 3 appointees chosen by the Governor from a list (minimum 5 names) submitted by the Polish Consul General — appointees must represent public organizations promoting Polish‑American affairs (and be from different organizations).
- Membership requirements: Members should have knowledge of or involvement in Polish‑American affairs or an interest in Massachusetts–Poland trade relations.
- Organization and operations:
- Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for customary expenses.
- Members are designated “special state employees” under chapter 268A (ethics law).
- Commission elects officers (chair, vice‑chair, treasurer, etc.); a majority constitutes a quorum; meetings may be held throughout the state.
- Reporting: Annual written report (with recommendations and any recommended legislation) to the Governor, Speaker of the House, Senate President, and Secretary of Economic Development by August 31 covering the preceding fiscal year.
Who is affected / likely impacts
- State International Trade Office (administrative host) and executive agencies named as possible designees.
- Legislative appointees (House and Senate members).
- Higher education institutions selected to participate.
- Polish Consulate/Polish‑American organizations and Massachusetts businesses and communities that may benefit from increased trade, investment, and academic exchange.
- Fiscal impact: Direct compensation costs are minimal (members unpaid); possible administrative/support costs to the International Trade Office and expense reimbursements for members. The bill does not specify a separate budget appropriation.
Procedural status (from provided actions)
- Filed/Prefiled in Dec. 2024 and introduced/read first time Jan. 14, 2025.
- Referred to Committee on Ways and Means and to State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (per the docket).
- Hearings were scheduled/rescheduled for Oct. 29, 2025 (committee hearings noted).
- Sponsors: Rep. Michael P. Kushmerek (primary), Rep. Jacob R. Oliveira (cosponsor).
If you want, I can:
- Draft a one‑page bill brief tailored for legislators or staff (focusing on Massachusetts version), or
- Provide an analysis of likely budgetary/admin impacts and potential stakeholders who would support or oppose the commission.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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