A new legislative proposal in California seeks to ensure that reparations payments to Black residents are exempt from state income taxes. Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, representing the Inglewood district, introduced Assembly Bill 2186, which aims to protect these payments from taxation should reparations programs be approved at the federal, state, or local levels.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
The bill specifies that for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, and before January 1, 2032, any reparations benefit or payment received by a taxpayer would not be included in gross income. This includes monetary payments, grants, trust distributions, debt forgiveness, or other financial compensations.
McKinnor emphasized the importance of ensuring that reparations serve their intended purpose of repairing harm without being diminished by taxes. “Reparations are meant to repair harm, not be partially taken back through taxation,” she stated.
Progress and Challenges
The bill has been sent to the California Senate for further review. If it passes, it will be considered by Governor Gavin Newsom. California has been at the forefront of reparations discussions, having established a commission to study and recommend compensation for Black Americans affected by slavery.
However, the future of reparations in California remains uncertain. Governor Newsom has previously rejected several related bills due to potential legal challenges, and none of his potential successors have shown strong support for reparations in the upcoming gubernatorial race.
National Context
On a national level, efforts to address reparations continue. Representative Shri Thanedar of Michigan has revived a federal initiative to study and distribute land reparations for descendants of slaves. This follows a previous bill by former Representative Cori Bush, which did not advance in the GOP-controlled House.
Other cities and states are exploring various forms of reparations, including direct cash payments and other compensations aimed at addressing historical injustices and discrimination.
Lisa Holder, a civil rights attorney and former member of California’s Reparations Task Force, noted the complexity of the issue, stating that a comprehensive body of laws is needed to address the longstanding inequalities faced by Black Americans.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
