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Commission hears briefing on state reparations bills; staff outlines process for formal endorsements
Summary
Commissioners discussed multiple California bills (including proposals to set aside housing funds and to create a bureau for descendants) and staff said the commission must agendize any formal county endorsement to route it to the county's legislative committee.
Chair Deborah Gore flagged several state bills related to reparations and summarized their effects for commissioners considering letters of support.
Gore noted legislation including SB 37 and SB 515, and identified AB 57 and AB 62 as bills of interest. She described one sponsored measure (McKinnon/McKenna) that would direct the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) to reserve 10% of the California Dream for All program for descendants of enslaved people. "10% of that set aside would go to descendants of enslaved person," Chair Gore said in summary of the bill's intent.
The commission also discussed AB 437 (a bill described as authorizing up to $6 million for CSU research) and SB 518 (described as establishing a Bureau of Descendants of African Slavery). Staff reminded commissioners that the commission may submit letters of support individually, but the commission as a body must agendize endorsement requests and route formal recommendations through the county’s personnel/administrative/legislative committee before the Board of Supervisors takes formal positions.
Commissioners asked staff to bring a process for next month so the commission can act on letters quickly when legislative windows open; staff agreed to agendize the matter and coordinate with county legislative staff.
