Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within the Department of Justice

Highlights:

• Establishes California's Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within the California Department of Justice (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies the duties of the bureau and its director (Sec. 2).

• Limits the circumstances under which the bureau may collect personal and genetic information for use in identifying defendants of American slaves (Sec. 2).

• Establishes the Genealogy Division within the bureau and specifies certain responsibilities, including the following (Sec. 3):

• Certify defendants;

• Develop a methodology for eligible individuals to submit claims and receive restitution; and

• Establish an equitable alternative qualifying criterion for descendants whose status as descendants cannot be confirmed.

• Establishes the Property Reclamation Division within the bureau and specifies certain responsibilities, including the following (Sec. 3):

• Create a state-wide database of property ownership;

• Document properties acquired as a result of racially-motivated eminent domain, including properties that no longer exist due; 

• Review and investigate public complaints relating to eminent domain under the process outlined; and

• Materially address instances of harm experienced due to policies and practices.

• Establishes the Education and Outreach Division within the bureau to execute certain awareness campaigns (Sec. 3):

• Establishes the Legal Affairs Division within the bureau and specifies certain responsibilities, including the following (Sec. 3):

• Ensuring the bureau’s programs are administered under existing law;

• Serve as a liaison and advisor to other state entities; and

• Conduct a review of existing law and proposed legislation and make recommendations as to the mitigation of harm.

Full Bill Text