Bill to Reclaim Land Lost to Unlawful Eminent Domain Gets Bipartisan Support in California Senate

July 30, 2025

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor's bill (AB 62), which aims to help victims of racially motivated eminent domain recover lost property, received unanimous approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support. The bill establishes a process for reviewing claims of racially motivated property seizures through an agency's Office of Legal Affairs, which would then certify claimants' rights to original property, comparable assets, or monetary compensation. AB 62 follows in the spirit of SB 796, which facilitated the return of Bruce's Beach to descendants of the Black couple whose property was seized in 1924.

Who is affected

Victims of racially motivated eminent domain and their descendants
Property owners whose land was seized without just compensation due to racial or ethnic motivations
Black communities and other marginalized groups who historically lost property through discriminatory practices
Local and state agencies who would evaluate past eminent domain takings
Public entities that still hold properties taken through racially motivated eminent domain

What action is being taken

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved AB 62 with a unanimous 13-0 vote
The bill is moving to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations for a hearing on August 18
The California Legislative Black Caucus is advancing their "Road to Repair" legislative package, which includes AB 62 among 16 bills
Local and state agencies are being authorized to evaluate past eminent domain takings
A process is being established for reviewing claims of racially motivated eminent domain through designated agencies' Offices of Legal Affairs

Why it matters

The bill aims to right historical wrongs related to discriminatory property seizures
It creates a formal process to address and repair damage that is still felt today
AB 62 builds on the precedent set by SB 796, which successfully returned Bruce's Beach to descendants of the original Black owners
The legislation has gained rare bipartisan support, demonstrating cross-party recognition of the need to address historical injustices
The bill holds local jurisdictions accountable for wrongful eminent domain actions rather than placing the full burden on the state

What's next

The bill is scheduled for a hearing at the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations on August 18 at the State Capitol Swing Space Annex in Sacramento
If approved, the bill would continue moving through the legislative process toward potential final passage and signing into law

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