Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that authorizes an apology for states' involvement in slavery in California.

Highlights:

• Specifies how the State of California recognizes and accepts responsibility for all of the harms and atrocities committed by the state, its representatives thereof, and entities under its jurisdiction who promoted, facilitated, enforced, and permitted the institution of chattel slavery (Sec. 1). 

• Alleges that the State of California apologizes for perpetuating the harms African Americans have faced and affirms its role in protecting the descendants of enslaved people and all Black Californians. (Sec. 1). 

• requires the creation of a plaque memorializing this apology to be publicly and conspicuously installed and maintained in the State Capitol Building (Sec. 1).

• Authorize the Department of General Services and the Joint Rules Committee to receive money from grants and private donations and would continuously appropriate those funds for the purpose for the upkeep of the memorial plaque (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the Legislature to prepare a  formal apology for slavery and would request it be signed by specified state leaders (Sec. 1). 

• Require the Secretary of State to submit a final copy of this formal apology to the State Archives, where it would be available for viewing by the general public in perpetuity (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that authorizes an apology for states' involvement in slavery in California.

Highlights:

• Specifies how the State of California recognizes and accepts responsibility for all of the harms and atrocities committed by the state, its representatives thereof, and entities under its jurisdiction who promoted, facilitated, enforced, and permitted the institution of chattel slavery (Sec. 1). 

• Alleges that the State of California apologizes for perpetuating the harms African Americans have faced and affirms its role in protecting the descendants of enslaved people and all Black Californians. (Sec. 1). 

• requires the creation of a plaque memorializing this apology to be publicly and conspicuously installed and maintained in the State Capitol Building (Sec. 1).

• Authorize the Department of General Services and the Joint Rules Committee to receive money from grants and private donations and would continuously appropriate those funds for the purpose for the upkeep of the memorial plaque (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the Legislature to prepare a  formal apology for slavery and would request it be signed by specified state leaders (Sec. 1). 

• Require the Secretary of State to submit a final copy of this formal apology to the State Archives, where it would be available for viewing by the general public in perpetuity (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text