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- 83rd Session (2025)
Assembly Bill No. 160–Assemblymembers
Yeager, O’Neill; and Gray
CHAPTER..........
AN ACT relating to economic development; creating the Nevada -
Ireland Trade Commission; prescribing the membership,
powers and duties of the Commission; creating the Account
for the Nevada -Ireland Trade Commission; and providing
other matters properly relating thereto.
Legislative Counsel’s Digest:
Existing law creates the Board of Economic Development, which is required to
review and make recommendations on various aspects of economic development in
Nevada. (NRS 231.033, 231.037) Section 3 of this bill creates the Nevada -Ireland
Trade Commission, which consists of nine members. Section 4 of this bill: (1)
provides for the officers of the Commission; (2) prescribes requirements for
meetings of the Commission; and (3) requires the Office of Economic Development
to provide necessary administrative support to the Commission. Section 5 of this
bill requires the Commission to study and make recommendations to the Board of
Economic Development regarding: (1) advancing bilateral trade and investment
between Nevada and Ireland; (2) initiating joint action on policy issues of mutual
interest to Neva da and Ireland; (3) promoting business and academic exchanges
between Nevada and Ireland; (4) encouraging mutual economic support between
Nevada and Ireland; (5) encouraging mutual investment in the infrastructure of
Nevada and Ireland; and (6) such other issues as determined by the Commission.
Section 5 also requires the Commission to prepare and submit an annual report of
its activities and recommendations to the Director of the Legislative Counsel
Bureau and the Governor. Section 6 of this bill creates the Account for the Nevada-
Ireland Trade Commission in the State General Fund, which is required to be
administered by the Commission and only used to carry out the activities of the
Commission. Section 6 also: (1) authorizes the Commission to apply for gra nts and
accept gifts, grants, bequests and other contributions; and (2) requires that any such
money received by the Commission be deposited in the Account. Section 2 of this
bill defines the term “Commission” for purposes of sections 3-6.
EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted.
WHEREAS, During the early mining boom in Nevada in the mid -
1800s, Irish immigrants were a significant part of this State’s
population and workforce; and
WHEREAS, The rich Irish heritage of Nevada is reflected in the
names of many prominent Nevadans, including, McCarran, Mackay,
Manogue and O’Callaghan, who made important contributions to
this State in the areas of religion, government, development,
business and gaming; and
WHEREAS, There are significant and enduring connections
between Nevada and Ireland, and Nevada has historic and practical
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reasons to desire the building of stronger economic, educationa l,
governmental and cultural links with Ireland; and
WHEREAS, In light of the mutual economic interests of Nevada
and Ireland and the need to adapt to the evolving global economy,
creation of a trade commission demonstrates a shared commitment
to fostering stronger commercial ties between Nevada and Ireland to
encourage investment between, leverage the resources of and create
mutually beneficial opportunities for both regions; and
WHEREAS, A trade commission will also serve as a platform for
educational and cultural exchanges and for building a lasting and
collaborative relationship with a global partner; now, therefore,
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN
SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Chapter 231 of NRS is hereby amended by adding
thereto the provisions set forth as sections 2 to 6, inclusive, of this
act.
Sec. 2. As used in sections 2 to 6, inclusive, of this act, unless
the context otherwise requires, “Commission” means the Nevada -
Ireland Trade Commission created by section 3 of this act.
Sec. 3. 1. There is hereby created the Nevada -Ireland
Trade Commission, consisting of the following nine members:
(a) Two members of the Senate, appointed by the Majority
Leader of the Senate;
(b) Two members of the Assembly, appointed by the Speaker of
the Assembly; and
(c) Five members appointed by the Governor, including,
without limitation:
(1) A representative of the Nevada System of Higher
Education;
(2) A representative of a chamber of commerce or trade
association; and
(3) A representative of the general public who represents
Irish-American communities or interests in this State.
2. After the initial terms, each member of the Commission
serves a term of 2 years. A member of the Commission may be
reappointed.
3. The membership of any member of the Commission who is
a Legislator and who is not a candidate for reelection or who is
defeated for reelection terminates on the day next after the general
election.
4. Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the
Commission must be filled in the same manner as the original
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appointment. A member appointed to fill a vacancy serves as a
member of the Commission for the remainder of the original term
of appointment.
5. Each member of the Commission:
(a) Serves without compensation; and
(b) While engaged in the business of the Commission, is
entitled to receive the per diem allowance and tr avel expenses
provided for state officers and employees generally.
Sec. 4. 1. The members of the Commission shall elect a
Chair and Vice Chair from among its members. After the initial
election, the Chair and Vice Chair se rve for a term of 1 year
beginning on July 1 of each year. If the position of Chair or Vice
Chair becomes vacant, the members of the Commission shall elect
a Chair or Vice Chair, as appropriate, from among its members
for the remainder of the unexpired term.
2. The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chair or a
majority of the members of the Commission.
3. A majority of the members of the Commission constitutes a
quorum and is required to transact any business of the
Commission.
4. The Office sha ll provide the Commission with such
administrative support as is necessary to assist the Commission in
carrying out the provisions of sections 2 to 6, inclusive, of this act.
Sec. 5. 1. The Commission shall study and make
recommendations to the Board regarding:
(a) Advancing bilateral trade and investment between Nevada
and Ireland;
(b) Initiating joint action on policy issues of mutual interest to
Nevada and Ireland;
(c) Promoting business and academic exchanges between
Nevada and Ireland;
(d) Encouraging mutual economic support between Nevada
and Ireland;
(e) Encouraging mutual investment in the infrastructure of
Nevada and Ireland; and
(f) Such other issues as determined by the Commission.
2. On or before October 1 of each year, the Commission
shall:
(a) Prepare a written report of its activities during the
immediately preceding fiscal year and any recommendations; and
(b) Submit a copy of the written report prepared pursuant to
paragraph (a) to:
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(1) The Direct or of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for
transmittal to:
(I) If the report is prepared in an even -numbered year,
the next regular session of the Legislature; or
(II) If the report is prepared in an odd -numbered year,
the Legislative Commission.
(2) The Governor.
Sec. 6. 1. The Account for the Nevada -Ireland Trade
Commission is hereby created in the State General Fund.
2. The Commission shall administer the Account. The money
in the Account must be used only to ca rry out the provisions of
sections 2 to 6, inclusive, of this act, including, without limitation,
for payment of administrative costs and expenses relating to travel,
meals and lodging.
3. The Commission may apply for any available grants and
accept gif ts, grants, bequests and other contributions from any
public or private source for deposit in the Account.
4. The interest and income earned on the money in the
Account, after deducting applicable charges, must be credited to
the Account.
5. Money in the Account must remain in the Account and
must not revert to the State General Fund at the end of any fiscal
year.
Sec. 7. The provisions of NRS 218D.380 do not apply to any
provision of this act which adds or revises a requirement to submit a
report to the Legislature.
Sec. 8. This act becomes effective on July 1, 2025.
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