Frequently Asked Questions about California’s Statutory Role in International Relations

Do California statutes contemplate an international relations role for the state? Yes, in California’s Government Code, there is Title 20, which is titled, “International Relations,” and it contains Sections 99500 through 99524.

What is covered by Title 20 on International Relations? Chapter 1 covers General Provisions and Chapter 2 covers the California-Mexico Border Relations Council.

Who is the principal state officer in international relations? Government Code Section 99500 states that the Governor is the primary state officer representing California’s interest in international affairs.

Do other state officers play a role in international relations? Yes, the Lt. Governor is the Chair of the California Commission for Economic Development in order to improve trade opportunities for California. The Attorney General assists the federal government in defending against international challenges to California laws. And, the Secretary of State oversees the International Business Relations Program.

Do executive branch state agencies play a role in international relations? Yes, the Department of Food and Agriculture is the primary state agency for the promotion of California agriculture. The Resources Agency and Environmental Protection Agency are the primary state agencies for the promotion of international exchange of environmental technologies. And, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is the primary state agency responsible for international trade and investment activities.

Which is the lead entity for trade-related matters? Gov’t Code Section 99501 specifies that the state point of contact within the executive branch acts as the liaison between the state and the Office of the United States Trade Representative on trade-related matters. The state point of contact is also required to perform any duties assigned by the Governor.

Which entity tracks trade agreements? Gov’t Code Section 99502 requires the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) to maintain and update a comprehensive list of all state agreements made with foreign governments. The list must be updated within 30 days of each new agreement being signed, and the list must include specified information.

Do executive branch personnel travel for international relations? If they do, then Section 99503 provides that all state employees working under an agency secretary must, within 30 days of traveling out of the country on official state business, provide to the agency secretary a memorandum of the trip’s details and any required follow-up expected. If the state employee does not work for an agency, then the report must go to the Governor’s office. 

Do legislative branch personnel travel for international relations? If they do, legislative employees must report to their respective Rules Committee.

Are there state laws governing international relations with Mexico? Yes, Chapter 2 is titled the “California – Mexico Border Relations Council” and Section 99520 makes numerous legislative findings and declarations related to the state’s relationship with Mexico.

Who comprises the Council? Gov’t Code Section 99522 establishes the California-Mexico Border Relations Council in state government. The Council consists of the Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, the Secretary for Environmental Protection, the Secretary of California Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, the Secretary of State and Consumer Services, and the Director of Emergency Services. And, the Secretary for Environmental Protection is the chair the council.

What must the Council do? Gov’t Code Section 99523 requires the Council to do all the following:

(a) Coordinate activities of state agencies that are related to cross-border programs, initiatives, projects, and partnerships that exist within state government, to improve the effectiveness of state and local efforts that are of concern between California and Mexico.

(b) Invite representatives of the State of Baja California and the Mexican government to participate in meetings.

(c) Establish policies to coordinate the collection and sharing of data related to cross-border issues between and among agencies.

(d) Establish the Border Region Solid Waste Working Group to develop and coordinate long-term solutions to address and remediate problems associated with waste tires, solid waste, and excessive sedimentation along the border that cause the degradation of valuable estuarine and riparian habitats, and threaten water quality and public health in the state.

(e) Identify and recommend to the Legislature changes in law needed to achieve the goals of this section.

Does the Council interact with the Legislature? Yes, Gov’t Code Section 99524 requires the Council to submit an annual report to the Legislature on the Council’s activities.