Bill > S96

This bill, the Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023, aims to address the history of discrimination against Black farmers and ranchers and require reforms within the Department of Agriculture to prevent future discrimination. Key provisions include: - Establishing an independent Civil Rights Oversight Board to oversee the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights and protect the rights of those filing discrimination complaints. - Creating an Equity Commission to study historical and continuing discrimination against Black farmers and recommend actions to end systemic disparities in their treatment. - Establishing an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Equitable Land Access and an Equitable Land Access Service to provide land grants to eligible Black individuals. - Providing additional credit assistance and protections for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, including a moratorium on foreclosures. - Amending the Packers and Stockyards Act to prohibit certain unfair practices by packers, swine contractors, and live poultry dealers. - Increasing funding for historically Black colleges and universities to support agricultural education and research.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/96/all-info