April 2, 2024 Story by: Editor
The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) has identified 14 key reparations bills as top priorities for this year, aiming to advance them through the Legislature. These bills are designed to test the Legislature’s commitment to racial justice without triggering widespread rejection that could hinder the overall reparations movement.
“We are aware that everyone in the state is watching us, but also everyone in this nation, but also in this world,” said Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-San Diego).
These bills are based on two years of work by the California Reparations Task Force, whose efforts have been closely followed by KQED. The task force’s final report, released in June 2023, included over 100 policy recommendations, along with a proposal for direct cash payments to qualifying residents. However, none of the current bills feature cash payouts.
Securing the passage of bills with substantial costs will be difficult, especially given California’s projected deficit of over $70 billion. Even without the contentious issue of cash payments, a proposal to distribute millions to residents would likely encounter strong resistance in the Legislature.
Each of the CLBC’s 12 members submitted ideas for reparations-related legislation, and the caucus voted on which ones to prioritize. The 14 bills listed below garnered the backing of at least two-thirds of caucus members.
Over the next five months, the fate of this groundbreaking state-level reparations initiative will unfold in Sacramento, with an August 31 deadline for lawmakers to advance the bills to Governor Gavin Newsom.
“Success on Aug. 31, at the end of session, looks like our priority package is across the line, plus a few more,” stated Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City).
Details of each bill under consideration can be found below. Bookmark this page for updates as we track their progress. Source: KQED
