CA SJR23

Acknowledges the history and contributions of Chinese Americans and Chinese immigrants to California and the United States

Requests Congress to adopt formal resolutions of apology to the Chinese American community for enactment of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and related discriminatory legislation

Notes that Congress passed expressions of regret in 2011 (Senate Resolution 201) and 2012 (House Resolution 683), but distinguishes that a formal apology is more appropriate given Congress has previously apologized to Japanese Americans (1988), Native Hawaiians (1993), African Americans (2008-2009), and Native Americans (2009)

Highlights California's historical role in lobbying for the Chinese Exclusion Act, the first federal law excluding immigrants based solely on race or nationality, and its lasting impact on discriminatory U.S. policy

Directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit the resolution to the President of the U.S. Senate, Speaker of the House, and all California representatives in Congress