Newsom Cites Reparations Bill As ‘Unimplementable,’ Issues Veto

By Robert J. Hansen | OBSERVER Staff Writer

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 25 vetoed a reparations bill that would have established a process for compensating individuals whose property was taken through racially motivated eminent domain.

“This bill assigns responsibilities to a nonexistent state agency, making it unimplementable,” Newsom wrote in his veto statement.

Senate Bill 1050, authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), required the creation of a Freedmen Affairs Bureau for implementation – a separate bill, SB 1403, was not brought to a vote by the end of the legislative session.

Bradford expressed surprise at the governor’s veto, noting, “We demonstrated that meaningful action can be taken without a specific agency, as seen with the Bruce’s Beach legislation.”

He argued that SB 1050 could have been effective even without the Freedmen Affairs Bureau, referencing his success with the Bruce’s Beach case in Los Angeles. The Bruce family got back their land after the city had managed it for more than a century, having seized it through eminent domain in 1912. The land was returned to the family following a directive from another state bill that allowed the Los Angeles County Supervisors to transfer the land directly to the family.

“And we accomplished this without an agency,” Bradford said.

The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California criticized the veto as a setback for reparative justice, emphasizing that the delay occurred because the California Legislative Black Caucus stalled SB 1403.

“This was not just a bill; it was a lifeline for families suffering from generational harm due to wrongful property seizures. The veto signals that the state is unwilling to fully address its historical injustices. The affected families deserve restitution, and failing to pass this bill is an injustice in itself,” the coalition said in a statement.

“This moment reflects a broader failure of political leadership. This was a historic opportunity, and political maneuvering has once again delayed justice. The blocking of crucial companion legislation by the California Legislative Black Caucus has compounded the damage. Nonetheless, we remain committed to achieving reparations and reparative justice. The fight for justice for Black American Californians continues, and we will persist in our efforts.”

The Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth, a coalition of leading Black power-building and justice organizations in California, also expressed disappointment with Newsom’s veto of SB 1050.

“This bill would have been a historic step towards reparations and social justice,” the alliance said. “While SB 1050 and other significant measures did not pass this session, we recognize the complexities of the current fiscal and political landscape and remain dedicated to advocating for meaningful progress. We encourage our community and allies to stay resolute.”

Newsom also vetoed a bill that would have required Medi-Cal to cover culturally relevant and medically supportive foods or nutrition interventions when deemed necessary by health care providers.

However, he did sign six other reparations bills into law, including one that provides a formal apology for slavery.

“As we confront the lasting legacy of slavery, I am deeply grateful for the efforts of Chair [Lori] Wilson and the members of the California Legislative Black Caucus. The state of California acknowledges its role in promoting, facilitating, and permitting slavery, along with the persistent racial disparities that followed,” Newsom said in a statement. “Building on decades of work, California is taking another significant step forward in recognizing the injustices of the past and making amends for the harm caused.”

Authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-South Los Angeles), Assembly Bill 3089 offers a formal apology on behalf of the state for its complicity in slavery and for the ongoing harm done to generations of Black Californians.

“This is a monumental achievement resulting from a two-year academic study of the losses suffered by Black Americans in California due to systemic racism,” Jones-Sawyer said. “Healing can only begin with an apology.”

Wilson (D-Suisun City) noted that the signing of these bills lays a foundation to address the historical injustices faced by Black Californians.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to my fellow caucus members and the advocacy leaders who have championed this effort. This is a multiyear initiative, and I look forward to continuing our partnership with the governor in this crucial work as we strive for lasting justice and equity,” Wilson said in a statement.