Georgia lawmaker presents bill to make Incheon a sister-state partner

A Georgia lawmaker presented House Bill 486 (LC 443048) and House Resolution 273 (LC 443033) to a House committee, asking members to recognize Incheon, South Korea, as a sister-state partner with Georgia.

"It will make Incheon, which is a city in South Korea, a sister city state with Georgia," the lawmaker said, noting Incheon's role as a major port city with an international airport and the state's sizable Korean population and business ties. The sponsor said the legislation and accompanying resolution would allow the state to show appreciation for economic and cultural partnerships even if the bill encounters delays in the Senate.

Committee members offered lighthearted remarks and support; one member who said he had flown into Incheon during military service expressed support and joked about wanting kimchi and galbi. The committee voted to report the bill favorably on a voice vote; the transcript records no roll-call tally. The chair said members would receive copies of the resolution.

The measures were advanced out of committee by voice vote and will proceed through the House's legislative process as scheduled.