HOUSE BILL 206

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Miguel P. Garcia

AN ACT

RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; CREATING THE CUBAN TRADE OFFICE IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] SHORT TITLE.--This act may be cited as the "Cuban Trade Act". 

     SECTION 2. [NEW MATERIAL] DEFINITIONS.--As used in the Cuban Trade Act:

          A. "department" means the economic development department;

          B. "director" means the director of the office;

          C. "office" means the Cuban trade office; and

          D. "secretary" means the secretary of economic development.

     SECTION 3. [NEW MATERIAL] CUBAN TRADE OFFICE CREATED--DUTIES AND POWERS.--

          A. The "Cuban trade office" is created in the department.

          B. The secretary shall appoint a director of the office.

          C. The director shall:

                (1) hire additional staff as necessary;

                (2) supervise the work and activity of the office;

                (3) work with the department to promote trade between New Mexico businesses and Cuba;

                (4) in accordance with any federal limitations on trade with and travel to Cuba:

                     (a) identify potential distribution partners and buyers in Cuba for New Mexico goods and services;

                     (b) assist New Mexico businesses with marketing the businesses' goods and services in Cuba;

                     (c) assess the market potential for New Mexico businesses in Cuban markets; and

                     (d) accompany New Mexico businesses and government officials to meetings in Cuba;

                (5) respond to an inquiry by a New Mexico business or the department related to the work of the office, within five days of receipt of the inquiry; and

                (6) prepare an annual report on the work and activities of the office and submit the report to the department, the appropriate interim legislative committee and the legislative finance committee.

          D. The director may promulgate rules necessary to implement the provisions of the Cuban Trade Act.

     SECTION 4. APPROPRIATION.--Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the economic development department for expenditure in fiscal year 2016 for work pursuant to the Cuban Trade Act. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2016 shall revert to the general fund.

     SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2015.

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