Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

This bill would set up a 13‑member commission to study the long‑term harms of slavery and later discrimination against African Americans and to recommend ways the nation could respond. The commission would collect historical records, look at how federal and state laws supported slavery and later unequal treatment, and examine how those harms still affect people today. It could recommend steps like a formal national apology, public education, policy changes, and possible compensation, including who could qualify and how it might be delivered .

The commission could hold hearings, subpoena records, and work with experts. It must deliver a final report within one year of its first meeting, and it would end 90 days after submitting that report. The bill authorizes $12 million for this work. Members would be appointed by national leaders and major civil society and reparations groups, with timelines set for appointments and the first meeting .

• Who is affected: African American individuals and communities; public agencies and institutions that may be asked to share data or consider policy changes .
• What changes: Creates a commission to study harms and propose remedies, including apology, education, policy reforms, and potential compensation options .
• When: Members appointed within 90 days of enactment; first meeting within 120 days (or 30 days after funding). Final report due one year after the first meeting; commission ends 90 days after the report .
• Funding: $12 million authorized .