Ch. 39                                     2004 LAWS OF MARYLAND

CHAPTER 39
(House Bill 179)

AN ACT concerning

Secretary of State - Responsibility for the Maryland Sister-State

Relationship Program

FOR the purpose of transferring the responsibility for the Maryland sister-state
relationship program from the Department of Business and Economic
Development to the Office of the Secretary of State.

BY adding to

Article - State Government

Section 7-109

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1999 Replacement Volume and 2003 Supplement)

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article 83A - Department of Business and Economic Development

Section 3-301

Annotated Code of Maryland

(2003 Replacement Volume)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - State Government

7-109.

THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL ASSUME LEAD
RESPONSIBILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF
SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIPS.

Article 83A - Department of Business and Economic Development

3-301.

(a)     There is an Office of International Trade within the Department to
promote the development of international business activities and opportunities for
the citizens of this State.

(b)     In furtherance of the purpose set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the
Office shall:

(1) Encourage Maryland businesses to increase international trade
activities, with special emphasis on exports, by:

- 246 -