Legislature Approves Five Black Caucus Reparations Bills, Sending Them to Newsom

September 16, 2025

Assembly Bill 62, authored by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor and part of the California Legislative Black Caucus "Road to Repair" package, has passed the Assembly with a 66-4 vote and now awaits Governor Newsom's decision by October 12. The bill aims to provide restitution for victims of racially motivated eminent domain and their descendants, defining this as property acquisition by government without just compensation based on the owner's race or ethnicity. If signed, the California Civil Rights Department would be directed to review applications from dispossessed owners or their descendants seeking compensation.

Who is affected

Descendants of chattel slavery in California
Californians whose homes or property were taken through racially motivated eminent domain
Black and Brown communities who historically had their properties seized
Dispossessed owners and their descendants who can file applications for restitution
Descendants of American slaves seeking expedited processing for state licensing applications (through related bill AB 742)

What action is being taken

Assembly Bill 62 has passed in the Assembly with a 66-4 vote and advances to Governor Newsom's desk
The California Civil Rights Department is being directed to review and investigate applications from dispossessed owners (upon legislative appropriation)
Several other reparative justice bills from the California Legislative Black Caucus are moving forward simultaneously
The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California is actively opposing some of the proposed legislation, specifically SB 437 and SB 518

Why it matters

The bill addresses historical injustices where property was taken from minority communities without just compensation
It follows the precedent set by returning Bruce's Beach to its original owners' descendants
It represents part of a larger effort to implement recommendations from California's 2023 reparations task force report
The legislation specifically targets "racially motivated eminent domain" that disproportionately affected Black and Brown communities
It creates a mechanism for potential compensation for those whose property was unjustly taken

What's next

Governor Newsom must decide whether to sign or veto AB 62 by October 12
If signed, the California Civil Rights Department will begin reviewing applications from dispossessed owners
The governor must also decide on several other related reparations bills that have passed the legislature
The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California will continue advocating against bills they believe "divert, delay, and diminish" reparations efforts

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