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MarylandHB 04132026 Regular SessionHouse

Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission - Membership and Termination - Altered and Extended

Sponsored By: Kenneth Kerr (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Economic DevelopmentAdministrative AgenciesCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Committee ChangesCommittees and CommissionsForeign TradeReportsStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsSunset

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Maryland–Ireland trade commission starts work

The law creates the Maryland–Ireland Trade Commission in state government. It studies and recommends ways to grow trade, investment, and business and academic exchanges with Ireland. It also looks at joint policy steps and infrastructure investment. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Commission reports to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2026, and then every December 1. The law remains in force until September 30, 2028.

Commission members unpaid, travel reimbursed

Commission members do not receive pay for serving. They can be repaid for travel and other eligible costs under State travel rules, if funded in the State budget. These rules apply from July 1, 2026 through September 30, 2028.

Who serves on the trade commission

Members include the Secretary and the Secretary of State, or their designees. One Senator is named by the Senate President, and one Delegate by the House Speaker. The Governor, with Senate consent, appoints six members: one from a public college, one from the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, two from the Irish–American community (not the same political party), and two from the private sector. The Commission elects a chair and vice chair. The Governor may remove an appointed member for incompetence, misconduct, or failure to do the job. These rules apply from July 1, 2026 through September 30, 2028.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kenneth Kerr

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Heather Bagnall

    Democratic • House

  • Bonnie Cullison

    Democratic • House

  • Dana Jones

    Democratic • House

  • Anne Healey

    Democratic • House

  • Mary A. Lehman

    Democratic • House

  • Vaughn Stewart

    Democratic • House

  • Courtney Watson

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0

House vote • 3/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 136 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 37

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/7/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/6/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/31/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Finance

    3/30/2026Senate

  6. Referred Finance

    3/12/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (136-0)

    3/11/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed

    3/10/2026House

  9. Favorable Adopted

    3/10/2026House

  10. Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/9/2026House

  11. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/6/2026House

  12. First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections

    1/22/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/22/2026

    PDF

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