Committee considers bill to create Alaska–Ireland Trade Commission; Irish senate official testifies remotely
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Summary
Representatives heard from sponsor Mia Costello and Senate President Mark Daley (Ireland) on HB 278, which would create a five-member Alaska–Ireland Trade Commission within the Department of Commerce to promote trade, education and cultural ties; the committee set the bill aside for revisions and further review.
Representative Mia Costello introduced House Bill 278 on Feb. 24, 2026, proposing an Alaska–Ireland Trade Commission of five governor-appointed members housed in the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED) to promote economic, educational and cultural relations and to accept gifts, donations and grants.
Senate President Mark Daley (joining virtually from Ireland) described Ireland as a gateway to the European Union market, cited workforce-training examples, and encouraged person-to-person and university partnerships. Daley and the sponsor pointed to other states that have created similar commissions and offered examples such as workforce-training collaborations and business outreach that, in other states, yielded practical outcomes.
Committee members raised governance questions: Vice Chair Story suggested staggering terms and broader appointing authorities to preserve institutional knowledge; Representative Holland asked why Ireland rather than other regions and whether the state already pays for similar trade activity. Hannah Lager, administrative services director for DCCED, said the department already supports international trade activity and that the fiscal note reflects new travel costs associated with this commission; statutory designated program receipts (private gifts/donations) are authorized in the bill but currently indeterminate.
Public testimony included Brett Huber of Americans for Prosperity, who offered conditional support but urged private-sector leadership and minimal state funding. After discussion, Chair Kerrick said staff would work with the sponsor on clarifying language to reflect the sponsor's intent and set HB 278 aside for a future hearing.
The committee did not take a vote on HB 278 during this hearing; sponsors and DCCED staff indicated the bill authorizes the commission to raise funds and that membership and operational details could be adjusted in amendments or future drafts.