Amendment #506 to H4400

Massachusetts Exports and Air Links Task Force

Representatives Jones of North Reading, Hill of Ipswich, Poirier of North Attleborough, Frost of Auburn and Smola of Warren move to amend the bill by adding the following section:

“Section XX. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be a special task force to review and report on the economic impact of increasing air link and export activity for the 24 government owned airports in Massachusetts. The task force shall consist of 9 members: the house and senate chairs of the joint committees on economic development and emerging technologies and export development, or their designees, who shall serve as the co-chairs of the task force; a member of the general court appointed by the senate minority leader; a member of the general court appointed by the house minority leader; the executive director of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment (MOITI), or a designee; the CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), or a designee; and the Secretary of Transportation, or a designee.

This task force shall: (i) identify and review state laws, regulations, and administrative directives that relate to the maintenance and expansion of publically owned airports; (ii) review current trade statistics in Massachusetts including, but not limited to, comparative trade balance, importer statistics, highest exporter and importer countries, and total export-supported jobs related to manufacturing; and (iii) develop recommendations for establishing regulations and legislative procedures to provide funding to enhance air link and exporting activity in Massachusetts.

The task force shall submit a report, including any draft legislation and regulations, to the clerks of the house and representatives and the senate within 12 months of the passage of this act.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #506 to H4400

Massachusetts Exports and Air Links Task Force