Bill
SJR 40
The bill commends U.S.-Taiwan relations and urges expanded trade, investment, education, and cultural ties, plus Taiwan’s participation in international groups.
Status and timeline
- Classification: Joint resolution
- Introduced: January 22, 2025
- Enacted / Adopted by both houses: Mid-May 2025 (actions show adoption 15–16 May 2025); enrolled April 8, 2025; delivered to governor April 8, 2025.
- Sponsors listed in the legislative actions: Robyn Gabel and Karina Villa (primary). The enrolled text lists Senators Jones and Coleman‑Madison and references Alabama officials (Governor Kay Ivey, Sec. of State Wes Allen). The filing appears to contain merged/duplicative material (see note at end).
Purpose and intent
- The principal purpose of the resolution is to commend and affirm support for strengthened relations between the United States (and specifically the state referenced in the enrolled text) and Taiwan — highlighting shared democratic values, trade ties, educational cooperation, cultural exchange, and Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.
- The resolution also contains, in a separate inserted section, procedural adjournment language for a legislature (references Illinois) regarding adjournment dates in mid‑May 2025.
Key substantive provisions (from the commendation text)
- Expresses support for continued talks under the “US‑Taiwan Initiative on 21st‑Century Trade” and for negotiation of a US‑Taiwan Avoid Double Taxation Agreement, emphasizing Taiwanese interest in U.S. investment opportunities.
- Encourages the state government to establish a trade office in Taiwan (noting that 23 other U.S. states and Guam have done so) and to organize trade delegations to attract investment.
- Urges city governments to participate in Taiwan’s annual “Smart City” forum.
- Encourages members of the legislature to join a Taiwan Caucus to explore collaboration opportunities.
- Calls for support of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and economic frameworks (examples listed: WHO, UNFCCC, ICAO, INTERPOL, CPTPP, IPEF).
- Promotes expanded educational and cultural exchange: K–12 and higher education MOUs (noting a 2022 MOU and the Auburn University Taiwan Center), scholar/teacher/student exchanges, use of TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language) as a Chinese proficiency tool for the State Seal of Biliteracy, and participation in Taiwanese American Heritage Week.
- Encourages promotion of Taiwan’s culture and tourism.
Facts and figures cited
- Taiwan–U.S. trade estimated at approximately $128 billion.
- Taiwan is described as the U.S.’s eighth‑largest trading partner and the U.S. as Taiwan’s second‑largest trading partner.
- For the state referenced in the enrolled text (Alabama): Taiwan was the 13th largest import and 18th largest export market in 2023.
Who would be affected
- State government executive and economic development agencies (potential creation of a trade office; trade delegations).
- Municipal governments (encouraged participation in Smart City forum).
- State educational institutions and students/teachers (exchanges; Seal of Biliteracy testing).
- Businesses and investors — particularly Taiwanese companies and Alabama (or the referenced state) industries that trade with or seek investment from Taiwan.
- Taiwan’s diplomatic/representational office in the U.S. (Taipei Economic and Cultural Office) — the resolution requests transmittal to its Director‑General.
Procedural/administrative actions
- The resolution requests that a certified copy be transmitted to the governor, secretary of state, the state’s congressional delegation, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.
Document note (inconsistency)
- The enrolled text contains two distinct elements: (1) a Taiwan‑commendation and related policy encouragements that reference Alabama (sponsors listed as Alabama state senators and Alabama executive officials), and (2) separate adjournment language and sponsor names (Robyn Gabel, Karina Villa) and procedural data consistent with another jurisdiction (Illinois). The legislative record shows multiple committee and floor actions culminating in adoption. Readers should be aware the circulated document appears to combine material from more than one resolution or jurisdiction.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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