Bill
AB 160
Creates the Nevada-Ireland Trade Commission to boost bilateral trade, investment, policy collaboration, and exchanges between Nevada and Ireland.
Status and dates
- Introduced: January 8, 2025
- Enrolled and delivered to Governor: June 2, 2025
- Approved by the Governor (Chapter 369): June 6, 2025
- Fiscal note: Effect on Local Government — No; Effect on the State — Yes. (Declared eligible for exemption by Fiscal Analysis Division, Feb 20, 2025)
Purpose
- Establishes the Nevada‑Ireland Trade Commission to strengthen economic, academic and cultural ties between Nevada and Ireland and to promote bilateral trade, investment, policy collaboration, business and academic exchanges, and mutual infrastructure investment.
Key provisions
- Creates the Nevada‑Ireland Trade Commission (Chapter 231, NRS) composed of nine members:
- 2 members of the Senate (appointed by Senate Majority Leader)
- 2 members of the Assembly (appointed by Speaker of the Assembly)
- 5 gubernatorial appointees, including (among others) a representative of the Nevada System of Higher Education, a representative of a chamber of commerce/trade association, and a representative of the public representing Irish‑American communities/interests
- Terms and organization:
- After initial terms, members serve 2‑year terms and may be reappointed.
- Legislative members’ service ends the day after the general election if not a candidate or if defeated.
- Commission elects Chair and Vice Chair from among members; after initial election, those officers serve 1‑year terms beginning July 1.
- A majority is a quorum; meetings held at call of Chair or majority.
- Duties and deliverables:
- Study and make recommendations to the Board of Economic Development on: advancing bilateral trade/investment; joint policy issues; business and academic exchanges; mutual economic support; infrastructure investment; and other issues the Commission determines.
- Submit an annual written report (on or before October 1) to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to the Legislature (or Legislative Commission) and to the Governor.
- Administrative and fiscal provisions:
- The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) provides necessary administrative support.
- Creates the Account for the Nevada‑Ireland Trade Commission in the State General Fund, administered by the Commission; money in the account is restricted to Commission activities (including administrative costs, travel, meals and lodging).
- The Commission may apply for grants and accept gifts, grants, bequests and other contributions for deposit in the Account.
- Compensation: Members serve without salary; eligible for per diem and travel expenses while engaged in Commission business.
Who is affected
- State entities: Board of Economic Development, GOED/Office of Economic Development, state budgeting/administrative processes.
- Appointees and participating legislators.
- Nevada businesses, higher education institutions, chambers of commerce, Irish‑American community organizations, and potential international partners in Ireland.
- State finances: establishment of a dedicated State General Fund account and likely modest administrative costs (exact amounts unspecified).
Potential impacts and considerations
- Intended to increase bilateral trade, investment and academic collaboration; actual economic outcomes depend on Commission activity, funding and private engagement.
- State costs include administrative support to the Commission and any expenditures from the newly created Account; however the Commission can also seek external grants and donations.
- Questions noted during committee review: current baseline trade volume with Ireland, priority industries to target, and specific long‑term funding plans for Commission operations.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
