Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

Senate Bill

S. 40

119th Congress

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 9, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Cory Anthony Booker

Senator

Democratic

NJ

Cosponsors

19

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Summary

This bill establishes a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans. The commission must compile documentary evidence of slavery, study federal and state government roles in supporting slavery, analyze discriminatory laws and policies against formerly enslaved Africans and their descendants, and recommend remedies including formal apology and compensation. Members include civil society representatives, reparations organization members, and presidential and congressional appointees. The commission can hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, and must submit its final report within one year.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill establishes a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans. The commission must compile documentary evidence of slavery, study federal and state government roles in supporting slavery, analyze discriminatory laws and policies against formerly enslaved Africans and their descendants, and recommend remedies including formal apology and compensation. Members include civil society representatives, reparations organization members, and presidential and congressional appointees. The commission can hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, and must submit its final report within one year.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans ActThis bill establishes the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans.The commission must (1) compile documentary evidence of slavery in the United States; (2) study the role of the federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery; (3) analyze discriminatory laws and policies against formerly enslaved Africans and their descendants; and (4) recommend ways the United States may recognize and remedy the effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans, including through a formal apology and compensation (i.e., reparations).The commission consists of individuals from civil society and reparations organizations and individuals appointed by the President and congressional leadership. The commission may hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and records, and contract with other entities to conduct its work.The commission must submit its final report within one year of its first meeting.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Establishes commission to study reparations for African Americans
Compiles documentary evidence of slavery in the United States
Studies government roles in supporting slavery institution
Analyzes discriminatory laws against descendants of enslaved people
Recommends remedies including apology and compensation

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

For African Americans: Formal study of historical injustices and potential remedies. For historians: Comprehensive compilation of slavery documentation. For policymakers: Framework for addressing historical discrimination. For reparations advocates: Official governmental examination of the issue. For national dialogue: Structured process for examining slavery legacy.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Related Subjects

Advisory bodies

Civics education

Constitution and constitutional amendments

Government liability

Government studies and investigations

Human rights

Racial and ethnic relations

State and local government operations

U.S. history

War crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

40, 119th Congress (2025). "Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-40