10 M.R.S. §31: Maine-Aomori Sister-state Advisory Council

The Maine-Aomori Sister-state Advisory Council, referred to in this chapter as "the council," is established by Title 5, section 12004‑K, subsection 10‑B to promote and cultivate a cooperative sister-state relationship between this State and the Prefecture of Aomori, Japan in order to benefit the citizens of the sister states.

1. Members; terms. The council consists of the president of the Maine International Trade Center, established pursuant to section 945, or the president's designee and 11 members who are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor, including:

A. One member with knowledge and experience in kindergarten to grade 12 education;

B. One member with knowledge and experience in public postsecondary education;

C. One member with knowledge and experience in private postsecondary education;

D. One member with knowledge and experience in business and international trade;

E. One member with knowledge and experience in the humanities, including performing or visual arts;

F. One member with knowledge and experience in the sciences, including natural resources;

G. One member with knowledge and experience in tourism;

H. One member representing a nonprofit corporation based in the State supporting the Maine-Aomori cooperative sister-state relationship;

I. One member with knowledge and experience in international exchanges; and

J. Two members representing the general public.

Appointed members of the council serve 3-year terms.

2. Chair; meetings; compensation. The chair of the council, who is elected by the members of the council, shall preside at, set the agenda for and schedule council meetings. The council shall meet at least 3 times per year. Meetings must be open to the public. Members of the council serve without compensation.

3. Duties. The council serves in an advisory capacity and has the following duties.

A. The council shall identify and assess existing activities and exchanges with the Prefecture of Aomori and devise strategies to develop cultural, educational and commercial opportunities between the sister states.

B. The council shall identify sources of support for sister-state exchanges, programs, projects and administrative assistance for the council. The council may seek and accept in-kind support from outside sources and funding from outside sources to fully fund its operations.

4. Report. The council shall submit a report to the Governor and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over economic development matters by February 1, 2027 and annually thereafter regarding the activities of the council during the preceding calendar year. The report must include recommendations as determined appropriate by the council to effectuate its purpose under this section. After reviewing the report under this subsection, the joint standing committee may report out legislation relating to the report.

5. Official contact. The president of the Maine International Trade Center, or the president's designee, shall serve as the official Maine contact for the Maine-Aomori cooperative sister-state relationship.