California’s Call to Action: NAACP Demands Legislative Steps for Delayed Reparations Bills

The California-Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP is advocating for the Legislature to approve two reparations bills crafted by state Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), who heads the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).These proposals—Senate Bill (SB) 518 and SB 437—were placed in the “Suspense File” after their assessment by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. According to California legislative protocol, any bill expected to cost the state over $50,000 from the General Fund or $150,000 from special funds may be sent to this file for further evaluation.Rick L. Callender, President of the NAACP Cal-Hi State Conference, emphasized that these bills represent a vital step toward achieving racial equity. “For generations, Black Californians have endured systemic injustices without remedy,” he stated, urging immediate legislative progress. SB 518 intends to create an agency dedicated to state-level reparations, while SB 437 would empower California State University to utilize genealogical records for determining eligibility. The NAACP asserts that delaying these proposals obstructs equity advancements amid pressing community needs. They are part of the CLBC's “Road to Repair 2025 Priority Bill Package” and stem from recommendations by the California Reparations Task Force. (Photo: Wikipedia Commons)