EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2024.33

(Rescinds Executive Order 01.01.2005.24)

Governor’s Subcabinet for International Affairs

A. Establishment . There is a Governor's Subcabinet for International Affairs (“Subcabinet”) established for the purpose of developing, evaluating and coordinating a cohesive international strategy to enhance the State's competitiveness and stature in the global marketplace and international arena.

B. Membership. The Subcabinet shall consist of:

(1) The Secretary of State;

(2) The Secretary of Commerce;

(3) The Secretary of Agriculture;

(4) The Secretary of Transportation;

(5) The Secretary of Higher Education;

(6) The Adjutant General;

(7) The Secretary of the Environment; and

(8) The Lieutenant Governor.

C. Chair. The Secretary of State shall chair the Subcabinet and is responsible for the oversight and direction of the work of the Subcabinet.

D. Administration.

(1) The Subcabinet shall be staffed by the International Affairs Division within the Office of the Secretary of State.

(2) The Governor or the Chair may establish subcommittees to carry out the work of the Subcabinet.

E. Procedures.

(1) The Subcabinet shall meet as often as its duties require, but no less than quarterly.

(2) The Subcabinet shall consult with other State departments and agencies as needed to carry out the provisions of this Executive Order.

F. Duties. The Subcabinet shall:

(1) Advise the Governor on matters of international affairs.

(2) Coordinate the State’s international activity including international cultural and educational, and economic development events, trips, and activities, and cooperate with the federal government, where necessary.

(3) Oversee the protocol functions of the State by developing and implementing a system to ensure that international protocol is adequately conducted on behalf of the State.

(4) Contribute to the economic development of the State by ensuring that all appropriate State agencies work in a cooperative, coordinated manner to plan, implement, oversee and evaluate the foreign affairs of the State.

(5) Examine the current structure and organization of Maryland's system of international affairs to develop:

a. A coordinated State international strategy that includes a procedure for identifying and assessing foreign developments that may impact the State;

b. An annual interagency plan for implementation of the State international strategy, including services and functions dealing with the international affairs of the State;

c. A consistent and clear international identity of the State by serving as the official liaison between the Governor and foreign governments and international organizations; and

d. Recommendations for programs and policies, if appropriate, to ensure that the needs and goals of the State's international strategy are met and accomplished.

(6) Develop a plan to coordinate and respond to international correspondence and requests.

(7) Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Governor.

G. Reporting. The Subcabinet shall submit a report to the Governor by January 31st each year, detailing its recommendations to support a coordinated State international strategy.

H. General Provisions.

(1) This Executive Order shall be implemented in a manner that is consistent with all applicable statutes and regulations. Nothing in this Executive Order shall operate to contravene any State or federal law or to affect the State’s receipt of federal funding.

(2) If any provision of this Executive Order or its application to any person, entity, or circumstance is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions or applications of the Executive Order shall remain in effect to the extent possible without the invalid provision or application. To achieve this purpose, the provisions of this Executive Order are severable.

Effective Date: September 30, 2024.