Chapter 23A of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

Section 71. (a) There shall be a Massachusetts-Puerto Rico trade commission to strengthen the relationship between the commonwealth and Puerto Rico. The commission shall study and make recommendations on: (i) promoting trade, business and investment between the commonwealth and Puerto Rico; (ii) advancing policy issues of mutual interest to the commonwealth and Puerto Rico; (iii) creating economic, scientific, cultural and educational exchanges between the communities of the commonwealth and Puerto Rico; and (iv) any other matters that the commission deems appropriate.

(b) The commission shall consist of 15 members: 2 members to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; 2 members to be appointed by the senate president; the secretary of economic development, or a designee; and 10 members to be appointed by the governor. The commission shall elect from among its members a chair.

(c) The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for any unusual and customary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Members shall be considered special state employees for the purposes of chapter 268A.

(d) Annually, not later than June 30, the commission shall submit a report of its findings, including any legislative or policy recommendations, to the secretary of economic development, the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies.