Overview

• Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill mandating a formal apology for California's role in perpetuating slavery and its lasting effects.
• The new law requires a plaque to be installed at the state Capitol to memorialize the apology.
• Despite the apology, Newsom vetoed bills that would have provided property compensation and expanded Medicaid benefits due to logistical and budgetary concerns.
• California's reparations package includes measures to improve hair discrimination protections, increase oversight on prison book bans, and support education for disadvantaged communities.
• Advocates expressed frustration over the lack of direct cash payments and the slow progress in implementing comprehensive reparations policies.