Asm. Isaac Bryan’s Corporate Reparations Bill, Other Black Caucus Measures Advance From Suspense File

August 18, 2026

The California State Senate Appropriations Committee advanced Assembly Bill 2599, known as the Truth in Disclosure Act, which would require corporations doing business in California with annual revenues exceeding $100 million to investigate and publicly report any historical financial connections to chattel slavery. If passed, California would become the first state mandating such corporate disclosure, with reports searchable on a public digital platform managed by the California Civil Rights Department starting in 2028. The legislation particularly targets industries historically linked to slavery, including banking, insurance, railroads, and textiles.

Who is affected

Major corporations doing business in California with annual worldwide gross receipts exceeding $100 million
Industries with historical ties to slavery (banking, insurance, railroads, shipping, textiles, and tobacco)
The California Civil Rights Department (designated as administrator)
The California Department of Justice (enforcement role)
California Highway Patrol officers and Cal Fire firefighters (eligible for the DROP program under AB 1054)
California farmers (over 7,000 small and midsize farms went out of business between 2017-2022)
California school students (approximately 5 million served daily meals)
Families with relatives buried in private cemeteries (187 private cemeteries vulnerable to abandonment)
Local governments (cities, counties, and public cemetery districts)

What action is being taken

AB 2599 is moving to the Senate floor for a vote after advancing from the Senate Appropriations Committee
AB 1054 is advancing to the Senate floor with a "do pass as amended" recommendation
AB 1731 is advancing to the Senate floor with a "do pass as amended" recommendation
SB 1312 is advancing from the Assembly Appropriations Committee with a "do pass as amended" recommendation

Why it matters

This legislation addresses historical accountability and contemporary social issues in California. AB 2599 would make California the first state requiring corporate transparency regarding historical slavery connections, potentially restoring dignity to enslaved people's descendants and educating the public about corporate involvement in slavery. The farm-to-school procurement program (AB 1731) addresses both the economic crisis facing California's small farms and the nutritional needs of 5 million students who rely on school meals, with some children having no other access to healthy food. The abandoned cemetery legislation (SB 1312) tackles public safety concerns, family distress, and property value impacts affecting communities near 187 vulnerable private cemeteries. The retirement program for public safety workers addresses workforce retention and retirement planning for essential emergency responders.

What's next

AB 2599 moves to the Senate floor for a vote
If AB 2599 is enacted, the California Civil Rights Department must create a searchable public digital platform by January 3, 2028
AB 1054 moves to the Senate floor for consideration
AB 1731 moves to the Senate floor for consideration
SB 1312 awaits further Assembly action following committee advancement

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint