California Reparations Bills Advance Amid Grassroots Pushback

September 23, 2025

Five bills from the California Legislative Black Caucus' "Road to Repair" package have been passed by the Senate and now await Governor Newsom's action by October 12. Among these, SB 437 and SB 518, authored by Senator Weber Pierson, have faced criticism from reparations advocates including the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), who view them as delay tactics in providing reparations to descendants of enslaved Black Americans. CJEC supports SB 515, which would refine demographic data collection to better identify descendants of enslaved people, while opposing SB 437's proposed genealogical study and SB 518's establishment of a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within the Department of Justice.

Who is affected

Descendants of enslaved Black Americans in California
Members of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) and National Assembly of American Slavery Descendants (NAASD-LA)
Community members and advocates for reparations
California state employees (regarding the data collection requirements in SB 515)
Future generations of African Americans seeking reparations

What action is being taken

CJEC is actively organizing meetings to update community members about reparations legislation
CJEC is currently advocating for Governor Newsom to veto SB 437 and SB 518
CJEC is encouraging community members to contact legislators, attend hearings, and include younger generations in the movement
Community organizers are urging people to trace their ancestry to establish eligibility for future reparations programs

Why it matters

The bills represent significant steps in California's reparations process, which began with the landmark AB 3121 establishing the nation's first state-level reparations task force. The outcome of these bills will determine how reparations are approached in California, with concerns that SB 437's genealogical study would delay action and SB 518's placement of a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within the Department of Justice could be problematic for those who distrust law enforcement. SB 515's data refinement is viewed as necessary to ensure reparations reach those directly impacted by slavery. The legislation could set precedents for other states considering reparations measures.

What's next

Governor Gavin Newsom must either sign or veto the bills by October 12. If signed into law, SB 515 would require cities and counties to add specific demographic categories beginning January 1, 2027. CJEC will continue their advocacy efforts demanding "reparations be enacted with respect, safety, and urgency." No explicit next steps stated in the article regarding implementation timelines for SB 437 and SB 518 if signed into law.

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