We’ve done what many said was impossible.
All four of California’s priority reparations bills — AB 57, AB 62, SB 437, and SB 518 — have passed both chambers of the Legislature. This is a powerful and unprecedented step forward. It means we are one signature away from turning generations of advocacy into state action.
Now, it’s up to Governor Gavin Newsom to sign this pivotal package into law.
ADD YOUR NAME URGING THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN THE BILLS
This isn’t the end — but it is a turning point.
It’s a chance to move from apology to action, from rhetoric to repair.
What’s in the Reparations Package:
- SB 518 (Weber-Pierson) — Establishes a Reparations Bureau within California’s Civil Rights Department to verify eligibility and administer future programs.
- AB 62 (McKinnor) — Creates a statewide claims process for land taken from Black families through racist policies or practices.
- AB 57 (McKinnor) — Reserves 10% of state-supported homeownership opportunities for descendants of enslaved people.
- SB 437 (Weber-Pierson) — Funds CSU research to build scalable, genealogy-based eligibility systems.
Why Now: The deadline is October 12.
Without Governor Newsom’s signature, this groundbreaking legislative package will not become law.
In recent years, the Governor has vetoed over 15% of the bills that reach his desk — including previous reparations-related legislation. We cannot afford to be silent and every voice will count.
This moment demands bold leadership. Governor Newsom has positioned himself as a progressive leader and a national voice for racial justice. Now, the question is: Will he rise to meet this moment and progress Black reparations in California?
What You Can Do Now:
Add your name to our petition urging Governor Newsom to sign all four reparations bills:
Share this message with at least two people — doubling our voices doubles our pressure.
Tag @GavinNewsom on social media and let him know: We’re watching. We’re united. And we’re ready for California to lead.
Let’s make sure this chapter ends with a signature.
In solidarity,
The Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth (ARRT)
