Overview

• Gov. Wes Moore vetoed Senate Bill 587, which would have established a commission to study reparations for Black Marylanders impacted by slavery and systemic inequality.
• The Legislative Black Caucus condemned the veto, describing it as a missed opportunity to address historical injustices and repair the harm of enslavement.
• The bill passed both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly with veto-proof margins, setting the stage for a possible override in the next session.
• Moore argued that decades of studies on the issue warrant a shift toward implementing policies to address the racial wealth gap, including homeownership and entrepreneurial support.
• The governor plans to announce initiatives targeting racial disparities on Juneteenth and introduce a broader policy package in 2026.