Georgia CommonsSenate · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
SR 712: Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta; recognize
Last action February 6, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution recognizes the 52nd anniversary of the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta and commends its role in building ties between Georgia and Japan.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Enrolled version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This resolution from the Georgia Senate honors the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta on its 52nd anniversary. It does not change any law; instead it formally recognizes the consulate's work over the decades to strengthen cultural, political, and economic connections between the Southeast United States and Japan. The resolution cites facts supporting this recognition, including $8.33 billion in trade between Georgia and Japan, about 700 Japan affiliated offices in Georgia employing 40,000 people, and the consulate's creation of Japan Fest in 1986. It also notes recent visits by Governor Brian Kemp to Japan and by Japan's ambassador to Georgia, as well as Japanese language study among Georgia students. The Senate directs its Secretary to send a copy of the resolution to the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes the 52nd anniversary of the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta on behalf of the Georgia Senate.
- Commends the consulate for strengthening cultural, educational, political, and economic ties between Georgia and Japan.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta.
- Cites statistics on trade, business presence, and educational exchange to support the recognition, without creating any new legal requirement.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta, Governor Brian Kemp, Japan's ambassador to the United States, and Georgia's Japanese community. It also references Georgia public school and university students studying Japanese and participants in the JET exchange program.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal or financial effect; it is a symbolic honor. Its practical significance lies in publicly acknowledging the economic and cultural relationship between Georgia and Japan, including trade and business ties that affect thousands of jobs in the state.
Key provisions
- The resolution's whereas clauses lay out the history and impact of the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta, including trade figures and business presence in Georgia.
- The first resolving clause has the Senate recognize the 52nd anniversary and commend the consulate's efforts.
- The second resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta.
From the bill
“the members of this body recognize the 52nd anniversary of the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta and the long and steady friendship between this state and Japan”
“there are 700 Japan affiliated offices now located in Georgia, employing 40,000 people”
Discussed in meetings (1)
The House and Senate meetings that took this bill up, from their machine transcripts. Each account was written by Georgia Commons with AI and is not part of the record; the video is what was said.
Senate floor session, February 18, 2026 (legislative day 20)
From 1:03:44 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel
Summary by Georgia Commons: The Senate adopted SR 712 without objection to recognize the 52nd anniversary of the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta and Georgia’s relationship with Japan. The presenting senator praised Japanese hospitality and investment in Georgia. The consul general discussed cultural exchanges, sister-city relationships and workforce partnerships with universities and businesses. The consul general said more than 700 Japanese-affiliated companies operated in Georgia and collectively employed more than 40,000 Georgians.
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Frank Ginn (R, SD-47)
- Sally Harrell (D, SD-40)
- Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-31)
- Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-32)
- Drew Echols (R, SD-49)
- Tonya Anderson (D, SD-43)
- Blake Tillery (R, SD-19)
- Greg Dolezal (R, SD-27)
- Steve Gooch (R, SD-51)
- Larry Walker, III (R, SD-20)
- Elena Parent (D, SD-44)
- Nan Orrock (D, SD-36)
- Gail Davenport (D, SD-17)
- Jaha Howard (D, SD-35)
- Matt Brass (R, SD-6)
- Kenya Wicks (D, SD-34)
Topics
- Georgia-Japan relations
- international trade
- Consulate-General of Japan
- Senate resolution
- cultural exchange