SR288: SR288 Laotian American community in Georgia; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recounts the history of Laotian refugees who fled political upheaval in Laos after 1975, many of whom resettled in Georgia cities such as Atlanta, Cornelia, Chickamauga, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Riverdale, and Macon after crossing the Mekong River and living in refugee camps in Thailand. The resolution recognizes the cultural and economic contributions Laotian Americans have made in Georgia, including businesses and community organizations. It also honors the Airavata flag, which depicts a white three-headed elephant on a red background and represents the historic Kingdom of Lan Xang, as a symbol of the Laotian American community's heritage. The Senate directs its Secretary to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• Formally commends the Laotian American community in Georgia for its contributions to the state's cultural and economic life.
• Officially honors the Airavata flag, a white three-headed elephant on a red background, as a symbol of Laotian American heritage.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press.
• Creates no new legal requirements, funding, or penalties, since it is a commendatory resolution rather than a law.

The resolution directly names the Laotian American community in Georgia, including those who settled in Atlanta, Cornelia, Chickamauga, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Riverdale, and Macon, and it also involves the Secretary of the Senate, who must distribute copies.

While the resolution carries no legal force or funding, it gives official state recognition to the history and contributions of Laotian refugees and their descendants in Georgia, and it publicly designates the Airavata flag as a recognized symbol of that community's heritage.

• The whereas clauses recount the history of Hmong and Lao forces aiding US military operations in Laos during the Vietnam War.
• The whereas clauses describe the 1975 fall of the Kingdom of Laos and the persecution that led thousands to flee across the Mekong River to Thailand.
• The whereas clauses note Georgia cities where Laotian refugee communities formed and describe their economic and cultural contributions.
• The resolved clause has the Senate commend the Laotian American community and honor the Airavata flag as a symbol of their heritage.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

1. 2025-02-27Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-26Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)Primary sponsor
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Greg Dolezal (R, SD-027)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)

• Laotian American community
• cultural heritage
• Georgia Senate resolution
• refugee history
• Airavata flag