California will study and create a detailed proposal for granting reparations to Black Americans under a new, first-in-the-nation law signed Wednesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
"As a nation, we can only truly thrive when every one of us has the opportunity to thrive," Gov. Newsom said in a news release. "Our painful history of slavery has evolved into structural racism and bias built into and permeating throughout our democratic and economic institutions."
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a new, first-in-the-nation law to study and create a detailed plan for granting reparations to Black Americans.California Governor Gavin Newsom/YouTube
Under AB 3121, the state will create a nine-member task force "to inform Californians about slavery" and explore a possible route to reparations.
While the law requires the state’s task force to give special consideration for Black people who are descendants of slaves, the reparations are not limited to slavery. Recommendations would not be binding. The task force must give a report to the California State Legislature one year after its first meeting.
The bill originated from Assemblymember Shirley Weber of San Diego.
"California’s rich diversity is our greatest asset, and we won’t turn away from this moment to make right the discrimination and disadvantages that Black Californians and people of color still face," the governor added. "While there is still so much work to do to unravel this legacy, these pieces of legislation are important steps in the right direction to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all."
Previously, the governor has issued a formal apology to California’s Native Americans for "the exploitation and violence our predecessors inflicted upon them."
Gov. Newsom also signed two bills Wednesday targeting structural bias and racism in the legal system. The first piece of legislation prohibits use of race, ethnicity and national origin in obtaining convictions or imposing sentences.
The other reduces discrimination in jury selection.
