SB 1331: The Fund for Reparations and Reparative Justice.

Previously existing law established, until July 1, 2023, the Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans, with a Special Consideration for African Americans Who are Descendants of Persons Enslaved in the United States. Previously existing law required the Task Force to, among other things, identify, compile, and synthesize the relevant corpus of evidentiary documentation of the institution of slavery that existed within the United States and the colonies that became the United States, as specified, and to recommend appropriate remedies in consideration of the Task Forces findings, as specified. Previously existing law required the Task Force to submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature, as specified.

This bill would establish the Fund for Reparations and Reparative Justice in the State Treasury for the purpose of funding policies approved by the Legislature and the Governor that address the harm that the State of California has caused to descendants of an African American chattel enslaved person or descendants of a free Black person living in the United States prior to the end of the 19th century. The bill would require the Controller to transfer from the Special Fund for Economic Uncertainties to the Fund for Reparations and Reparative Justice an amount equal to 6% of transfers from the General Fund to the Special Fund for Economic Uncertainties, as specified. Upon appropriation, the bill would require the moneys in the Fund for Reparations and Reparative Justice to be expended for the above-described purpose. The bill would authorize the fund to receive moneys from any other federal, state, or local grant, or from any private donation or grant, as specified. The bill would also make related findings and declarations.