Summary#

Senate Resolution 117, “Relative to Taiwan,” is a California Senate resolution, not a law changing existing rights or rules. It recognizes ties between California and Taiwan and encourages further cooperation; its stated aim is to express support for those ties and Taiwan’s contributions.

• The Senate encourages California’s government to explore areas of cooperation with Taiwan. This is encouragement, not a requirement to take specific action.
• The Senate supports Taiwan’s contributions to international organizations through “appropriate avenues,” but the resolution does not set out those avenues.
• The Senate declares that Taiwan’s democracy is important to peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
• The Secretary of the Senate must send copies of the resolution to its author for distribution.

What it means for you#

• California residents and businesses: The resolution does not directly change your rights, taxes, services, or business rules.
• California government: It is encouraged to explore cooperation with Taiwan, but no specific project or action is required.
• Taiwanese American communities: The Senate formally recognizes their contributions, but the resolution creates no new service or benefit.
• The Secretary of the Senate: Must transmit copies of the resolution to its author for distribution.

Money#

No cost information is in the available material.

• The resolution gives no funding for future cooperation or other activities.
• It does not estimate the cost of sending and distributing copies.

What is unclear#

• It does not say what cooperation with Taiwan might involve or who would lead it.
• It does not define what counts as an “appropriate” avenue for supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
• It sets no timeline, reporting requirement, or process for following up on its statements.

Case for#

• A possible argument for the resolution is that it gives formal recognition to the contributions of Taiwanese American communities and to California’s relationship with Taiwan.
• It could provide a basis for California officials to explore cooperation in areas named in the resolution, including trade, science, technology, education, tourism, and culture.
• The resolution expresses support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations without requiring a particular route or action.

Case against#

• The resolution does not require follow-up, so its encouragement may lead to no specific cooperation or practical change.
• Its support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations is broad; it does not explain what action California should take.
• The resolution does not set funding or oversight for any future activity.