SR 956: Upper Austrian Parliamentary Delegation in the State of Georgia; celebrate the arrival

This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate marking the arrival of the Upper Austrian Parliamentary Delegation in Georgia. It does not change any law. Instead, it recites the history of Georgia's relationship with Austria, including Austria's consular presence in Georgia since 1949, the Honorary Consulate led by Paul Seefried since 2020, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development's representation in Europe since 1973. The resolution also notes that Georgia and the Province of Upper Austria both belong to the Regional Leaders Summit, and points to academic exchanges through University System of Georgia study abroad programs, legal cooperation between Atlanta and Vienna arbitration centers, and cultural exchanges. It cites 2023 figures showing Austrian visitors contributed $7.9 million to Georgia's economy, with $34 million in Georgia exports to Austria and $1.3 billion in imports. The Senate formally welcomes the delegation and directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to them.

• Formally welcomes the Upper Austrian Parliamentary Delegation to Georgia on behalf of the Senate and wishes them a productive visit.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the delegation.
• Recites historical, economic, academic, and cultural ties between Georgia and Austria without creating any new law, funding, or requirement.

The resolution primarily concerns the Upper Austrian Parliamentary Delegation, the Georgia Senate, and the Austrian Honorary Consulate in Georgia. It has no direct legal effect on ordinary Georgians, businesses, or agencies beyond this ceremonial gesture.

The resolution carries no legal or financial consequences; it is a symbolic gesture of goodwill. Its main significance is diplomatic and ceremonial, reflecting Georgia's trade, tourism, and academic relationships with Austria rather than changing anything Georgians experience day to day.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe Austria's consular presence in Georgia since 1949 and the Honorary Consulate led by Paul Seefried since 2020.
• It notes the Georgia Department of Economic Development has had continuous representation in Europe since 1973.
• It cites Georgia and Upper Austria's shared membership in the Regional Leaders Summit and academic, legal, and cultural exchange programs.
• It states 2023 economic figures: $7.9 million in tourism spending by Austrian visitors, $34 million in Georgia exports to Austria, and $1.3 billion in imports from Austria.
• The resolving clauses formally celebrate the delegation's visit and direct the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to them.

1. 2026-03-18Senate Read and Adopted (Senado)
2. 2026-03-16Senate Hopper (Senado)

• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)Patrocinador principal
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)

• international relations
• Georgia-Austria trade
• legislative resolutions
• economic development