An Act To Establish The Maine-Aomori Sister-State Advisory Council

LD 1336 establishes the Maine-Aomori Sister-State Advisory Council to promote cooperation between Maine and Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The council, composed of 15 appointed members with diverse expertise (including education, business, arts, and international exchanges), advises the Governor on cultural, educational, and commercial opportunities between the two regions. It must meet at least three times yearly, operate without member compensation, and identify funding sources for its work. The bill allocates $20,000 annually from the General Fund for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to support the council’s operations. This procedural bill formalizes an existing relationship without creating new substantive policy.