Montana committee endorses bill to create Montana–Ireland trade commission

The House Business and Labor Committee voted unanimously to concur on Senate Bill 3 20, a measure that would create a trade commission linking Montana and Ireland and place administrative responsibility with the Montana Department of Commerce.

Sen. Douglas Cuff, sponsor of the bill in committee, told members the commission would be a working body "I intend that two years from now, we are going to have some positive news to report in the world of trade." He said the commission would be primarily independent and would “require no state funding.”

The bill, as presented to the committee, would establish a commission to facilitate economic, educational and cultural ties between Montana and Ireland. Proponents described potential benefits for Montana agriculture, livestock genetics, higher-education exchanges and high-technology sectors, notably photonics. Sen. Mark Daley, participating remotely as a proponent, said the commission would help U.S. state representatives reach Irish cabinet-level officials and business leaders, and would support reciprocal annual delegations to Montana.

Supporters in the committee included the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montana Farmers Union and the Montana Chamber of Commerce. Nicole Rolfe of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation said trade "usually equals expanded markets and better prices at the farm gate." Eric Summerfeld of the Montana Farmers Union said the commission could help sell Montana products into Ireland.

Mandy Rambo, deputy director at the Montana Department of Commerce, appeared as an informational witness; the bill names the Department of Commerce as the administrative agency. The sponsor and proponents emphasized that funds for the commission would be raised privately and pass through a state account for transparency.

Committee members asked procedural questions about appointments and timing. Sen. Cuff said he aimed to move the bill quickly so it could reach the governor, noting the Irish consulate visit scheduled around St. Patrick’s Day.

The committee moved to "do concur" on Senate Bill 3 20. Vice Chair Seacens Crowe moved the motion; the vote was recorded as unanimous, 19 yes, 0 no. Committee staff reported the bill will advance to the House floor with Representative Katie Sullivan as the House sponsor.

If enacted, the commission would be administratively housed in the Department of Commerce, according to testimony; proponents and informational witnesses said the commission is intended to operate without direct state appropriations and to rely on private fundraising and transparent accounting.

Senate Bill 3 20 will proceed to the House floor for further consideration.