Mass. lawmaker files bill to create Massachusetts–Puerto Rico trade commission

Representative Orlando Ramos of Springfield filed House Bill No. 493 on Jan. 15, 2025, proposing the creation of a Massachusetts–Puerto Rico trade commission to study and recommend ways to strengthen trade, business and cultural ties between the commonwealth and Puerto Rico. The bill was filed in the House (House Docket No. 2092) and referred to the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

Under the bill, the commission would be composed of 15 members: two appointed by the speaker of the House, two appointed by the president of the Senate, the secretary of economic development or a designee, and 10 appointed by the governor. The commission would elect its own chair. Its duties, as written, would include studying and making recommendations on promoting trade, business and investment; advancing policy issues of mutual interest; and creating economic, scientific, cultural and educational exchanges between communities in the commonwealth and Puerto Rico, as well as any other matters the commission deems appropriate.

Members would receive no salary but could be reimbursed for "unusual and customary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties," and would be treated as special state employees under chapter 268A of the General Laws. The bill requires the commission to submit an annual report of its findings and any legislative or policy recommendations no later than June 30 each year to the secretary of economic development, the clerks of the House and Senate and the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

The filing text does not specify funding for the commission, the timeline for appointments, or whether the secretary of economic development would provide staff support. The bill, filed as House No. 493, awaits consideration by the legislature and any committee hearings or votes that would be necessary for enactment.