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Kansas committee hears bill to create International Trade Commission to boost ties with Ireland, Japan and Taiwan
Summary
Lawmakers heard HB 2580 proposing a Kansas International Trade Commission and fund to promote trade with Ireland, Japan and Taiwan; proponents cited recent trade missions and a Liberal manufacturer from Taiwan as evidence of opportunity. The bill would allow fundraising but prohibits state-paid out-of-state travel.
A Kansas legislative committee on Tuesday heard HB 2580, which would create a Kansas International Trade Commission and a dedicated fund to promote international business links — with specific attention to Ireland, Japan and Taiwan.
Reva Reimer, the committee revisor, told the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development that the commission’s membership would include legislative chairs and members from both chambers, seven governor- and legislative-appointed public members drawn from higher education, immigrant community groups, industry or economic development organizations, and the secretary of commerce. The commission would meet at least quarterly in Topeka, prepare an initial report on Kansas international business and trade activity, and file annual updates and accounting of gifts and grants. Reimer said no state funds may be used for mileage or travel expenses outside Kansas, and the bill would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.
Proponents said the measure reflects sustained outreach. Representative Christy Williams described past and recent trade missions to Ireland and Asia and said the commission broadens earlier, country-specific proposals to reflect Kansas’ ties to Japan and Taiwan. "Japan happens to be one of our top trade partners," Williams said, citing last year’s trade value to Japan as evidence of the state’s existing connections.
Eli Swati, executive director of the Seward County Development Corporation, described Liberal’s experience recruiting Taiwanese manufacturer Apogee and said a state-level commission would help replicate that success elsewhere in Kansas. "We are thrilled in Liberal to be the first host community for one of those companies for the state of Kansas," Swati said, describing months of relationship-building that led to Apogee subleasing space and drawing related firms.
Senator Mark Daley (Ireland) joined by video and urged lawmakers to view Ireland as a gateway to the 450 million-person European Union market, noting that U.S. companies often use Ireland as their EU footprint. Daley said an "all-island" approach would include Northern Ireland and could provide simultaneous access to both the U.K. and EU markets.
Supporters emphasized relationship-building, the potential for job growth and the value of legislative-to-legislative contacts. The Department of Commerce submitted a neutral written comment; the committee recorded several written proponents and no in‑person opponents. The chair closed the HB 2580 hearing with no recorded vote and opened a separate hearing on electrician licensing.
The committee did not take a final vote on HB 2580. The bill’s next procedural step was not recorded in the hearing transcript.
