Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed five bills aimed at providing “reparative justice” for Black Californians, particularly descendants of enslaved people, in October 2025. The bills he vetoed focused on giving preferences and support in college admissions, home-buying programs, business licenses, and restitution for property unjustly taken through eminent domain.
Vetoed Bills List
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A bill that would have allowed public and private colleges in California to give admissions preference to descendants of enslaved people.
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A bill to set aside 10% of funds from the state’s first-time homebuyer loan program specifically for descendants of enslaved people.
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A bill requiring the state to investigate claims from families whose property was taken unjustly through racially motivated eminent domain, with a process to seek restitution.
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A bill to provide descendants of enslaved people preference in business licenses and access to related business programs.
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A bill for direct compensation or restitution tied to reparative justice for affected families (details indicate focus beyond the aforementioned areas but specifics are less widely reported).
Rationale and Impact
Newsom cited legal challenges, impracticality, and concerns over whether state agencies had the expertise to implement these programs effectively as reasons for his vetoes. Some measures would have conflicted with existing laws such as Proposition 209, which bans preferential treatment based on race or ethnicity in public employment, education, and contracting.
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