Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

This bill creates a national commission to study how slavery and later discrimination have harmed African Americans, and to propose ways to make things right. It will gather facts, review past and present laws and policies, and explain their effects. It can recommend steps like a formal national apology, changes to harmful policies, and possible compensation (reparations) for descendants of enslaved people. It will also suggest how to teach the public about its findings to support healing.

The commission has 15 members, including appointees from national leaders and experts from major community and reparations organizations; current government officials, including Members of Congress, may not serve. It can hold hearings and require witnesses and records to do its work. The commission must deliver a final report within 18 months of its first meeting, then ends 90 days later. The bill authorizes $20 million for its work.

• Who is affected: African Americans, especially descendants of enslaved people; federal agencies that must provide information; and the public through education efforts.
• What changes: Creates a study commission that will recommend remedies to Congress; it does not itself create a reparations program. Recommendations may include a formal apology, compensation, and policy reforms.
• When: Final report due within 18 months of the first meeting; the commission ends 90 days after the report; $20 million is authorized to fund the work.