Maryland bill to address slavery and reparations awaits governor’s decision

• Maryland’s Senate Bill 587, which passed with a majority vote of 101-36, would create a reparations commission to address the lasting impacts of slavery. The commission’s plan will be presented to Gov. Wes Moore by the summer of 2027.
• The bill proposes multiple forms of reparations, including financial compensation, social services, homeownership support and educational aid.
• While many lawmakers support the bill, opposition exists, with some arguing for a reduction in reparations and restrictions on funding to Maryland residents only.

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The abolition of slavery was ratified into the U.S. Constitution in 1865 through the 13th Amendment. Now, the governor of Maryland will consider a new bill to address the lasting impacts of this period on within the state.

SB 587 would create a state commission

Through Senate Bill 587, the state of Maryland would create a reparations commission. On Wednesday, April 2, the bill passed with a majority vote of 101 in favor and 36 against.

Many Maryland lawmakers want to correct historical wrongs, as history shows slaves played a crucial role in building the state’s economy and society. However, Maryland also served as a model for other states on the systematic practice of enslaving people, later adopted and called “the slave codes.”

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Support for the bill

Delegate Robin L. Grammer Jr., R-District 6, voiced his support for the bill while expressing concern for the lawmakers opposed to the legislation.

“I can’t understand why we would stand to talk about people who lived between 1877 and 1965 and not think about the group of people who came this year, came to see us in committee to tell us their horrific stories about how they were enslaved and raped at the hands of employees at the state of Maryland,” Grammer said.

The bill proposes several ways to make amends, including official apologies, financial compensation and rebates on property taxes. It also offers social services, waivers for licensing and permit fees.

It may also assist with down payments on homes, give incentives for starting businesses, provide child care assistance, debt relief and tuition waivers for those seeking higher education, suggestions that officials say will help address racial discrimination still present within Maryland.

Delegate Stephanie Smith, D-District 45, emphasized the historical injustice to be addressed.

“I think we’ve forgotten there were taxpayers in the late 1800s, in the early 1900s through the mid-20th century who did not get the benefit of the taxes they paid,” Smith said. “There were roads they paid for they could not drive down. There were schools they paid for they could not enter. There were colleges they paid for they could not gain admission to.”

Committee must present findings by 2027

The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland made the bill a top priority this session, stressing that it’s not just about money. When the bill was introduced in January, they pushed that the bill was about creating change.

The committee will study ways to support and uplift communities across Maryland. A detailed plan is expected to be presented to Gov. Wes Moore, D, by the summer of 2027.

Opposition to the bill

House lawmakers who opposed the bill argued to reduce the proposed reparations by half, or restrict the funds to Maryland residents only, insisting that descendants of slaves who live outside the state should not be included.

Delegate Jason C. Buckel, R-District 1B, opposed the bill, stating that the issue of reparations could not address the nation’s entire history.

“We cannot remedy the entire problem of the United States of America,” Buckel said.

Opposing lawmakers debated that the bill would split the community and create a racial divide.

Delegate Matthew Morgan, R-District 29A, argued against the bill, saying, “You’re either in the oppressor class or you’re the oppressed class. In America you don’t get equity, you get equality, meaning equal rules for everyone.”

The bill is now awaiting Gov. Moore’s decision. He could approve it or turn it down. The Associated Press reports that Moore has shown willingness to consider the legislation but has also acknowledged the budget challenges Maryland is facing right now.

If Gov. Moore signs the bill in Maryland, it will go into effect on July 1.

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Other states with reparations for Black residents

California was one of the first states to allocate millions of dollars for reparations, aimed at supporting Black residents who have endured systemic challenges and racial injustices. In the District of Columbia, the 2025 budget proposal includes $1.5 million to study whether reparations are feasible and to explore solutions to address the long-lasting impacts of slavery.

In Chicago, residents are making efforts to close the wealth, opportunity and housing gaps for African Americans through reparations. Most of the individuals receiving payments are elderly residents who suffered the most harm between 1919 and 1969.