California lawmakers recently announced that only one part of a three-bill package created to give Black Californians reparations has been passed.
Decided on Sep. 1, the bills were introduced by Senator Steven Bradford. By the end of Saturday’s meeting, about two bills were passed on and put into the inactive file.
The only part to be passed was the land restitution bill. Announced earlier last week, the land restitution bill addresses racist land seizures and reviews the claims filed by people who were victims of the acts. It was reportedly passed 56-0.
The other two parts of the three-part bill package included creating an agency for handing out reparations and creating a fund. The agency would’ve reportedly worked alongside the California Reparations Task Force and incorporated their recommendations based on their two-year study.
“It has to happen if we’re going to have meaningful reparations to the people who deserve it,” said Sen. Bradford per KXTV-TV Sacramento. “We’re 160 years overdue for this.”
I am doing everything I can to bring #SB1403 & #SB1331 up for a vote before tonight's deadline. I appreciate the community support and passion, but please keep this focused on the issue. Threats and harassment directed at lawmakers won't help. @CABlackCaucus #Reparations #CALeg
— Senator Steven Bradford (@SenBradfordCA) September 1, 2024
Although bills focused on reparations weren’t passed, several anti-discrimination laws were approved. Amongst these bills were laws presented by the Black Caucus that were focused on hair discrimination and having grocery stores in underserved areas inform the state of closures.
Another one passed that was introduced by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer included having the state formally apologize for racism, enslavement and discrimination.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to make his decision on signing the approved bills into law by Sep. 30.
Previously, the state of California announced a budget of up to $12 million for reparations legislation. When announced, however, the state government clarified that the money would not be spent on offering citizens direct payments.
The budget would eventually instead go towards bills introduced by members of the Black Legislative Caucus with ideas stemming from their task force report. These bills include putting a stop to forced labor in state prisons, the creation of the California Freedmen’s Bureau and combating violence in Black Californian communities.
“Although we wanted more, I’m deeply appreciative of the $12 million in the state budget for reparations. Even in these tough fiscal times, this funding is a clear reflection of our priorities and values as a state,” said Sen. Bradford when the budget was announced. “This money will start to stand up the infrastructure to pay for future reparations. We, as the California Legislative Black Caucus, made the case that the harms of slavery and racist public policies aren’t healed.”
