Gov. Newsom signs California Legislative Black Caucus Priority Bills, Including an Apology for the State’s Role in Slavery

SACRAMENTO – Joined by members of the California Legislative Black Caucus or CLBC, Sept. 26 Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills to address the legacy of racial discrimination in the state and advance a host of issues important to Black Californians. As requested by AB 3089 (Jones-Sawyer), which passed the Legislature with bipartisan and unanimous support, the Governor also signed an accompanying formal apology for California’s historical role in the perpetuation of slavery and its enduring legacy.

This signing event marks a milestone in California’s ongoing efforts to promote healing and advance justice. The legislation includes critical measures that tackle a wide range of issues affecting Black Californians, from criminal justice reforms to civil rights and education.

Overview of key bills 

Addressing food & medical deserts: SB 1089 by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) requires grocery stores and pharmacies to provide advance notice to the community and workers before closures, helping to address food deserts that disproportionately affect communities of color.

Strengthening protections against discrimination: AB 1815 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) clarifies that “race” includes traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles, providing stronger protections against discrimination.

Combating maternal health disparities: AB 2319 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) requires hospitals to report compliance information and authorizes the Attorney General to enforce against hospitals that are out of compliance with existing law requiring perinatal health care workers to complete anti-bias trainings. 

Increasing access to literature in prisons: AB 1986 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) mandates the Office of the Inspector General to post and review the list of banned books in state prisons, promoting access to literature for incarcerated individuals.

Formally apologizing for slavery: AB 3089 by Assemblymember Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr. (D-Los Angeles) affirms California’s recognition of the harms caused by chattel slavery and issues a formal apology, which will be memorialized with a plaque in the State Capitol.

Addressing employment discrimination, preschool access and college and career financial aid: Additional CLBC measures the Governor signed into law will address employment discrimination, provide more opportunities for child care providers to become CA State Preschool contractors, increase college and career financial support for foster youth, and increase foster youth financial support. Additionally, with SB 1348 (Bradford), the state is establishing the designation of “California Black-Serving Institutions,” to recognize higher education campuses that excel in providing resources and support to Black students.