Bill > H1696

This bill establishes a 15-member commission to study and develop proposals for reparative justice for the American Freedmen class, which is defined as persons emancipated by the 13th Amendment in 1865 or earlier and their descendants. The commission will be primarily composed of experts and members of the American Freedmen class, with appointments made by the governor, senate president, and house speaker through a public application process. The commission's primary tasks include documenting the historical and ongoing effects of slavery and systemic racism, such as housing segregation, educational inequality, and the persistent wealth gap. The commission will develop proposals for reparative remedies, which may include lump sum payments, tuition assistance, mortgage refunds, and tax credits, and will establish criteria for determining beneficiary eligibility. Within two years, the commission must submit a comprehensive report with its findings and recommendations, including draft legislation, to various legislative bodies and notify the public of its findings. Additionally, the commission will serve as an ongoing resource for the commonwealth, consulting with the permanent commission on the status of African Americans and advising on policies affecting the American Freedmen class to ensure equity and justice. Commission members will be considered special state employees and will receive per diem compensation for up to 10 meetings.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1696