New York Gov. Hochul Signs Bill On Reparations, Joining California And These Other Cities

Topline New York’s Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law on Tuesday creating a commission to study the impact of slavery and centuries of racism in the state, and potentially propose reparations, becoming the second state to take action on the issue which has also faced criticism largely from the right. Key Facts Hochul signed the bill Tuesday morning, just over six months after both chambers of New York’s state legislature approved the bill, and three years after California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a law creating a similar task force to study reparations. The law gives the task force one year to submit a report on findings and recommendations to the state on “appropriate remedies” and the impact of the institution of slavery and the “subsequently de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination” on Black New Yorkers. That proposal will be submitted to the state legislature and Hochul, who will decide whether or not to draft a bill based on the task force’s recommendations (Hochul’s term ends in January 2027). In a press conference, Hochul asked “all New Yorkers to be the patriots and rebuke and not excuse our role in benefitting from the institution...