California Becomes First State to Establish Official Reparations Agency

Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted Senate Bill (SB) 518, a groundbreaking law establishing California’s Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery—the nation’s inaugural state agency dedicated to facilitating reparations for Black Americans. “Recently, I joined several members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) for the bill signing of SB 518, the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery,” remarked Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), who authored the bill and chairs the CLBC. “This represents a historic stride towards justice, positioning California as the first state to create a permanent agency committed to reparative measures for Black Americans.” Newsom hinted at this legislative milestone on the Higher Learning podcast before announcing it officially in an October 10 press release. SB 518 establishes an agency that will confirm eligibility, ensure privacy, educate citizens, and manage future reparative initiatives. Despite some advocates expressing skepticism regarding its impact, Sen. Weber Pierson emphasizes the bill’s importance in addressing systemic disparities in California.