Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a state commission to consider reparations to address the effects of slavery.

Highlights:

• Establishes the history of slavery in New York and the infrastructure that was built by African Slaves (Sec. 1).

• Establishes the history of African Americans Post-Slavery in New York (Sec. 1).

• Establishes a commission to investigate the effects of slavery including the treatment of slaves, restricted freed African slave from returning to the place of their origin, how interstate transfer of slaves occurred, de jure and de facto discrimination against people of African descent, and study the feasibility of a bureau to supply remedies and reparations (Sec. 1).

• Requires the bureau to send a report on findings directly to the state legislature (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the Membership of the commission will contain three individuals appointed by the governor, three members appointed by the speaker of the assembly, and three members appointed by the president of the senate (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that members of the commission must be qualified in the study of American History, lived experience, law, economics, psychology, or be a member of a civil society organization, the clergy, or racial justice organization with a history of serving the African American community (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the members of the commission will receive no compensation (Sec. 1

• Establishes that the Commission has the power to solicit hearings and input from public parties and stakeholders concerning their work (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that 90 days after the final report is delivered, the commission will be dissolved (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this act will go into effect immediately (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text