California-Ireland Trade Commission.

Assembly Member Gallagher's proposal to establish a California-Ireland Trade Commission within the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development aims to formalize economic partnerships between the state and Ireland. The seven-member commission would serve as an advisory body to both the Governor and Legislature, with appointments split among the Governor, Senate President pro Tempore, and Assembly Speaker.

The commission's mandate encompasses advancing bilateral trade and investment, coordinating policy initiatives, promoting business and academic exchanges, and encouraging infrastructure investment between California and Ireland. Members would include representatives from public higher education institutions, statewide trade organizations, and Irish American communities, with leadership shared between majority and minority party appointees. While commissioners would serve without compensation, they would receive reimbursement for approved expenses at standard state rates.

The legislation requires the commission to submit annual written reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing its findings and recommendations through 2030. The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development must consider these recommendations when updating California's international trade and investment strategy. The commission's establishment remains contingent upon legislative appropriation and the availability of sufficient non-state funding sources.