OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, on Friday commented on legislation that would reestablish the Oklahoma-Israel Exchange Commission that has been sent to the governor.

McBride is the House author of Senate Bill 729, which passed the Senate on Thursday with House amendments.

"Israel is one of the United States' best allies, and Oklahoma has had a longstanding relationship with the Israeli people." McBride said. "This bill would help us better facilitate economic exchange with this important trade partner, including in the technology sector, which would greatly benefit our state."

The purpose of the commission shall be to promote trade, joint action on policy issues, exchanges, economic support, and other opportunities of mutual benefit.

SB729 establishes that the commission shall be located in Jerusalem and shall be comprised of nine members who would not all have to be in Israel. Members of the commission – appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, speaker of the House of Representatives and the governor – must be a representative of either an Oklahoma public institution of higher learning, the Israeli-American community in the state, an Oklahoman industry engaged in or seeking to engage in trade with Israel, or a trade association engaged in or seeking to engage in trade with Israel. Legislative members shall serve a two-year term. 

The commission shall report its findings, activities, results and recommendations to the president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House and the governor within one year of its initial meeting and by Feb. 1 of each succeeding year.