Annapolis, Maryland - Lawmakers in Maryland have reintroduced legislation to create a reparations commission in the state.

The proposal, known as HB0875, would follow the precedent set by California in creating a commission to develop and carry out a reparations program for people who descend from individuals enslaved in the state.

The current legislation is based on a prior version of the bill introduced in 2022, which dictates that in order to receive reparations, individuals must submit an application with documentation proving their lineage.

Opponents of this model argue that a lack of historical records – itself a product of anti-Black racism – may make it difficult for many African Americans to trace their ancestry, potentially excluding people from receiving reparations who would otherwise qualify.

The previous version of the bill stipulated that people who meet the state's application requirements would be entitled to a cash payment set by the commission. They would also be reimbursed for higher-education tuition payments and get assistance in receiving loans and mortgages with low collateral and interest rates.

The reintroduced proposal has already garnered support from nine Democratic delegates.

If passed, the Maryland bill would require the governor to set aside the funds necessary for the commission to carry out its work in the state's annual budget.