A proposed bill to establish a reparations framework in Maryland has cleared a key legislative hurdle, moving forward in the state assembly amid growing public debate. However, Governor Wes Moore has declined to clarify whether he supports the measure, keeping his position under wraps as pressure builds from both advocates and opponents.
The bill seeks to create a dedicated commission tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to address historical racial injustices through reparative policies. These could include economic initiatives, housing programs, educational investment, and direct financial compensation to eligible Black residents impacted by the legacy of slavery and systemic discrimination.
Lawmakers backing the bill say the commission would be responsible for outlining specific eligibility criteria and funding mechanisms. They emphasize the importance of taking tangible steps toward racial equity and acknowledge the proposal as a historic opportunity for the state to lead on the issue nationally.
The legislation passed out of committee earlier this week and now heads to the full chamber for a vote. If approved, Maryland would become one of the few states to formalize a reparations study with the intention of future implementation.
Governor Moore, the nation’s only Black governor currently in office, has so far avoided taking a public stance on the bill. When asked directly by reporters whether he supports the measure, Moore reiterated his administration’s broader commitment to economic justice but declined to comment on the legislation itself.
This silence has drawn criticism from both sides. Some activists argue that his lack of endorsement undermines the momentum of the movement, while others suggest his neutrality is a calculated move to avoid alienating moderates during a politically sensitive period.
Republican lawmakers in the state have voiced strong opposition to the bill, arguing that it places an undue financial burden on taxpayers and risks deepening racial divisions. They have called for the focus to remain on universal economic policies rather than race-based compensation.
Supporters of the bill, however, insist the measure is not about division but about accountability and justice. They point to similar initiatives underway in California and Illinois as proof that state-led reparations efforts can be both symbolic and impactful.
With the legislation advancing and the governor’s position still unclear, all eyes are now on the upcoming vote—and whether Moore will ultimately sign or veto the bill should it reach his desk.