Bill > SB518

This bill establishes the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within the California Department of Justice to address historical racial discrimination and provide reparations to descendants of enslaved persons and free Black people who lived in the United States prior to the end of the 19th century. The bureau will be led by a director appointed by the Attorney General and confirmed by the Senate, and will consist of four key divisions: Genealogy, Property Reclamation, Education and Outreach, and Legal Affairs. The Property Reclamation Division will have the specific task of investigating and potentially compensating individuals who had property taken through racially motivated eminent domain, which means property acquisitions that were unfairly conducted due to an owner's race or ethnicity. The bureau will develop processes to confirm descendant status, which will be a qualifying criterion for state benefits, and will create methods for individuals to submit claims for compensation or restitution for historical harm. The bill allows for compensation through property return, alternative property grants, or financial payment, and provides a mechanism for individuals to appeal decisions or bring legal claims if they are not satisfied with the initial determination. Implementation of the bill is contingent upon appropriate funding being allocated by the Legislature, and it aims to address the lasting impacts of historical discrimination, disenfranchisement, and systemic racism.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB518