Nevada committee hears bill to create Nevada–Ireland Trade Commission

Assembly members on the Nevada Assembly Revenue Committee heard testimony on Assembly Bill 160 on a motion to open the hearing, a measure that would create a Nevada–Ireland Trade Commission to promote trade, investment and academic exchanges between Nevada and Ireland.

The bill was presented by Assemblyman Steve Yeager (Assembly District 9) and Assemblyman P.K. O'Neil, who said the commission would be housed in the Governor's Office of Economic Development, be made up of nine members appointed by the Speaker, the Senate majority leader and the governor, and would be empowered to accept gifts and grants and to report to the Legislature on its activities.

Supporters said the commission is a low‑cost way to build commercial, cultural and education links with Ireland and Northern Ireland. "Many states have formed Ireland trade commissions to further strengthen those ties, whether it be commercial, educational, or cultural," Yeager said. He told the committee the sponsors expect private funds to cover most activity so the commission will not be a significant additional cost to the state, although the bill carries a small fiscal note for staffing and mission activity.

Why it matters: proponents argued that a formal state commission would help Nevada's universities, businesses and tourism industry tap Ireland as a gateway to the European market, increase student and academic exchanges, and sustain long‑standing cultural ties between Nevada and Ireland.

What the bill would do: sponsors described the measure as establishing a nine‑member commission inside the Governor's Office of Economic Development with goals listed in the bill including advancing bilateral trade and investment; initiating joint action on policy issues of mutual interest; promoting business and academic exchanges; encouraging mutual investment in infrastructure; and accepting gifts and grants. The sponsors said the commission would report on its activities and would be able to seek private funding to cover travel and staffing.

Senator Mark Daly, joining the hearing by Zoom from Ireland, told the committee that similar state commissions have enabled delegations of legislators, business leaders and university officials to form long‑term relationships. "It is about sustaining the peace process in Northern Ireland, but also building the great relationships between Ireland and the United States," Daly said, adding that delegations and commissioners often travel between Ireland and U.S. states to pursue educational and business links.

Support testimony: Nick Schneider, director of government affairs for the Las Vegas Chamber, told the committee the chamber supports AB 160 and said the proposed commission could foster economic development and highlight Nevada's offerings to Irish businesses and tourists.

Opposition and neutrality: no callers or in‑room witnesses registered opposition or neutral testimony at the hearing.

Process and fiscal note: presenters told the committee that 19 U.S. states have formed similar Ireland trade commissions and that those states frequently rely on private donations to fund commission activities. The bill includes a modest fiscal note for staffing and mission support; sponsors said they expect private funding to reduce state expense but did not commit to a specific funding source.

Next steps: the committee heard the bill and received public support; no formal vote on AB 160 was recorded in this hearing.