The committee will consider granting financial compensation, down payment assistance, debt relief and higher education assistance to slave descendants.
On April 2, the Maryland legislature finally approved a law allowing states to establish a committee that will establish a committee to study the possibility of providing slavery compensation.
The Capitol approved Senate Bill 587 on April 2nd, 101-36 after the Senate passed it on March 14th by 32-13.
Analysis by state legislative staff does not estimate how much such benefits cost taxpayers.
The committee must submit a preliminary report by January 1, 2027 and a final report by November 1, 2027, including the findings and recommendations between the governor and the Maryland Legislature.
Related Stories
Among the various benefits the committee explores are official apology, financial compensation, property tax rebates, residential property purchases, childcare, debt forgiveness, and exemptions from paying higher education tuition.
“This is a really serious problem. It’s the past and the damage that has lastingly impacted the political, economic, social, physical, mental and cultural well-being of black people,” she said.
During the debate, Matthew Morgan, the representative of Bill’s opponents, said, “Let’s call for what this bill is, the committee setting the compensation tax.”
“Who knows how it will be implemented? But I think it’s dishonorable to set up a reparation tax that could tax one race and give all the names of fairness to another race,” Morgan said.
Maryland Gov. Wesmoore has not indicated whether he will sign the bill.
“I said, and I’ve long said that the history of racism in this state is genuine,” Moore told reporters. The effect of slavery is “still very felt and structurally felt within Maryland,” he said.
The governor has 30 days to sign or reject the bill. If he fails to act, it becomes law in 30 days.
Supporters of compensation paid to the descendants of slaves say such benefits are justified. Because the slavery given to Black Americans continues to be felt today, and it has been felt ever since the practice was abolished.
Opponents say that those living today do not suffer under slavery, and it is unfair to force Americans who have nothing to do with slavery to pay for those who have not experienced slavery.
Jurisdictions across the US, including California and New York, have enacted laws to study compensation, but few have allowed them to pay.
Evanston, Illinois approved a compensation package for Black residents in 2021. The city has approved a $10 million payment in the form of a $25,000 home voucher.
Alice Giordano and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
