SR 148: Taiwan; recognize

This is a Georgia Senate resolution, a formal statement of the chamber's position rather than a law that changes anyone's legal rights or duties. It recognizes Taiwan's relationship with the United States and Georgia, citing trade figures, Taiwan's donation for Hurricane Helene relief, and cultural events held in Georgia. The resolution states that Senate members support continued talks on US-Taiwan trade and tax agreements, encourages Georgia to open a trade office in Taiwan and send a trade delegation there, and backs city participation in a Taiwan 'Smart City' forum. It also expresses support for a Taiwan legislative caucus, Taiwan's participation in international organizations, an education cooperation agreement, use of a Chinese proficiency test for a state biliteracy seal, and participation in Taiwanese American Heritage Week. It directs copies be sent to the Governor, Secretary of State, Georgia's congressional delegation, and a Taiwanese trade office official.

• Formally recognizes and commends Taiwan for its relations with the United States and Georgia, citing trade and cultural ties.
• States Senate support for continued talks on the US-Taiwan trade initiative and a proposed double taxation avoidance agreement.
• Encourages Georgia to establish a trade office in Taiwan and organize a trade delegation to attract investment.
• Expresses support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like WHO, ICAO, and INTERPOL.
• Supports an education cooperation agreement with Taiwan and use of a Chinese proficiency test for Georgia's State Seal of Biliteracy.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to the Governor, Secretary of State, and other officials.

This mainly affects state government relationships and symbolic policy positions rather than individuals directly. It touches Georgia's executive branch officials, the Georgia Congressional Delegation, city governments considering trade forums, Georgia students and teachers involved in language programs, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.

Because this is a resolution rather than a law, it does not create any binding requirement or funding. Its practical effect is to signal Senate support for deeper trade, education, and diplomatic engagement with Taiwan, which could inform future legislation or executive action on a Georgia trade office or education agreements.

• The whereas clauses cite Taiwan as Georgia's 15th largest import and 17th largest export market in 2023 and note a $200,000 donation for Hurricane Helene relief.
• The first resolved clause supports continued US-Taiwan trade talks and encourages Georgia to open a trade office in Taiwan, following 23 other states and Guam.
• The first resolved clause also encourages organizing a trade delegation to Taiwan and city government participation in an annual 'Smart City' forum.
• The second resolved clause supports a legislative Taiwan Caucus and Taiwan's participation in international bodies such as WHO, UNFCCC, ICAO, INTERPOL, CPTPP, and IPEF.
• The third resolved clause supports an education cooperation agreement with Taiwan and use of a Chinese proficiency test for the Georgia State Seal of Biliteracy.
• The final clause directs distribution of the resolution to the Governor, Secretary of State, congressional delegation, and a Taiwanese trade office director.

1. 2025-03-18Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute (Senate)
2. 2025-03-18Senate Third Read (Senate)
3. 2025-03-04Senate Read Second Time (Senate)
4. 2025-03-03Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (Senate)
5. 2025-02-11Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
6. 2025-02-10Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Michael 'Doc' Rhett (D, SD-33)Primary sponsor
• Matt Brass (R, SD-6)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-32)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-35)
• Donzella James (D, SD-28)
• Harold Jones II (D, SD-22)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-17)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-43)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-38)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-34)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-39)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-40)

1. FailedSenate voteMarch 18, 2025

   22 yea, 29 nay (1 not voting, 4 excused)

   ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT #1 BY THE SENATOR FROM THE 53RD: Senate Vote #241

2. PassedSenate voteMarch 18, 2025

   47 yea, 5 nay (0 not voting, 4 excused)

   ADOPTION BY SUBSTITUTE: Senate Vote #242

• Taiwan relations
• international trade
• Georgia Senate resolution
• education exchange
• foreign policy