HB486: HB486 State government; City of Incheon, South Korea as sister city-state of the State of Georgia; designate

25 LC 44 3048 House Bill 486 By: Representatives Hong of the 103 rd, Werkheiser of the 157 th, Franklin of the 160 th, Stephens of the 164th, Park of the 107th, and others A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Chapter 1 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to1 general provisions regarding state government, so as to designate the City of Incheon, South2 Korea as the sister city-state of the State of Georgia; to prov ide legislative findings and3 declarations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5 SECTION 1.6 The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:7 (1) As of February 2020, Incheon was home to approximately 3 m illion residents,8 making it the third most populous city in South Korea, following Seoul and Busan;9 (2) Incheon is a major port city, serving as a crucial hub for international trade and10 maritime commerce as well as the home to Incheon International Airport, one of the11 busiest and most advanced airports in the world;12 (3) Incheon has been designated as an "English City" and has implemented the "Incheon13 Free English Zone" initiative, emphasizing global communication and education;14 (4) Incheon has established sister city-state relationships with 39 cities around the world;15 and16 H. B. 486 - 1 - 25 LC 44 3048 (5) The State of Georgia recognizes the historical, cultural, and economic importance17 of Incheon and commends its contributions to global engagement, c o m m e r c e , a n d18 cultural exchange.19 SECTION 2.20 Chapter 1 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated , relating to general21 provisions regarding state government, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as22 follows:23 "50-1-14.24 The City of Incheon, South Korea is designated as the official sister city-state of the State25 of Georgia."26 SECTION 3.27 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.28 H. B. 486 - 2 -