Bill > HB1232

This bill establishes the Commission on Black Land Loss, a 17-member body within the legislative branch of state government, composed of 10 legislative members and seven non-legislative citizen members, to study existing and historical laws that have been used to take land from Black people in Virginia. The Commission will investigate discriminatory practices, including unfair tax laws that hinder Black home and land ownership, and how localities have assessed tax arrears against deceased Black landowners to seize their property. It will also examine laws that allowed for the confiscation of land from descendants of enslaved persons, considering the land's value at the time of taking and its current worth. The Commission's duties include identifying the extent of Black land loss and its impact on generational wealth, detailing how intimidation and corrupt practices were used to seize Black-owned land, and making recommendations to reform laws to prevent future land loss. Furthermore, it will determine if and what form of compensation or relief would be appropriate for individuals harmed by these practices or their descendants. The Commission is set to expire on July 1, 2029, unless it receives separate funding in the appropriation act each year.

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1232