(FOX40.COM )– Two pieces of legislation that could make it possible for Black people to receive reparations for slavery are moving forward.
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SB 437 and SB 518 were authored by Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. (D-San Diego). SB 437 tasks the California State University system with establishing a process for verifying genealogical eligibility for reparative claims. If a person can verify that they are a descendant of an enslaved individual, it opens the door for reparations.
In 2020, California enacted the Reparations Task Force to study and address lasting impacts of slavery and systemic discrimination against African Americans.
“The task force released its final report highlighting significant disparities in economic, health, and educational outcomes due to historical injustices,” Weber said during a Senate hearing. “Among its recommendations, the report emphasized the need of improved documentation and recognition of genealogical and descendancy claims to ensure access to reparative programs.”
According to Digital Democracy, SB 437 is notably supported by organizations such as AAPI Force, Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation and Truth, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Civic Empowerment, Black Equity Collective, the California Reparations Task Force, and several other groups. In opposition are the California Alliance for Youth and Community Justice, California Organizations for Reparations, and the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California.
SB 437 was voted on the Senate floor and moved to the Assembly to be heard on June 24.
The other piece of legislation proposed by Weber, SB 518, establishes the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery, a state agency dedicated to implementing policies that address the historical injustices faced by Californians who are descendants of enslaved people. The Bureau would oversee reparative justice efforts, facilitate restitution programs, and ensure the state follows through on key recommendations from the California Reparations Task Force.
SB 518 awaits a second review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
