What does Preamble of Land Reparations Commission Act do?

This bill establishes a Commission on Land Reparations. The Commission's purpose is to study and distribute land reparations. The reparations are intended for African-American descendants of slaves. The Federal Government had previously promised land to these descendants.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Land Reparations Commission Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Land Reparations Commission Act

What does FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. of Land Reparations Commission Act do?

This section establishes findings related to unfulfilled promises of land to formerly enslaved Black Americans following the Civil War. It notes that General Sherman's Field Order 15, promising "40 acres and a mule," was not fully realized, and land provided was later taken away. The 39th Congress authorized the Bureau of Relief for Freedmen and Refugees to reserve public lands for freedmen and loyal refugees in several Southern states. The purpose of this Act is to create a commission to study and develop land reparation proposals for African Americans. The commission will consider the impacts of slavery, including the Trans-Atlantic and domestic slave trade, and the failure of previous remediation efforts.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Land Reparations Commission Act do?

This section defines terms used in the Act The Commission refers to the Commission on Land Reparations Eligible individuals include those held in slavery in the US or their descendants

What does ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES. of Land Reparations Commission Act do?

The Commission on Land Reparations is established in the legislative branch. The Commission has duties including identifying eligible individuals and establishing a process for them to apply for land reparations. The Commission will identify and procure suitable land from various sources. The Commission will determine compensation for eligible individuals in the form of subsidies or cash payments. The Commission must submit a written report to Congress within 18 months of its first meeting.

What does MEMBERSHIP. of Land Reparations Commission Act do?

This section establishes the membership structure of the Commission. The Commission will consist of 15 members, including a Chair. Nine members are politically appointed: one by the President, two by each House Majority and Minority Leaders (in consultation with their respective committees of jurisdiction). Six members are subject matter experts, appointed by the Chair and approved by a majority of the politically appointed members, selected from civil society and reparations organizations. Members must be qualified by education, training, activism, or experience, particularly in African-American studies and reparatory justice. Members of Congress and federal, state, or local government employees are ineligible to serve, with an exception for full-time faculty at state-funded colleges or universities. The term of office for all members is for the life of the Commission. Seven members constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings. Vacancies are filled through the original appointment process. The Chair is selected jointly by the Senate and House Majority Leaders, from among the politically appointed members, and serves for the life of the Commission. The Chair must call an initial meeting within 45 days of all members' appointments.

What does POWERS OF THE COMMISSION. of Land Reparations Commission Act do?

This section outlines the powers of the Commission established by this Act. The Commission can hold hearings, administer oaths, and compel witness testimony and document production. Subpoenas issued by the Commission can be enforced through U.S. district courts for contempt of court. Subpoenas require either the agreement of the Chair or an affirmative vote of a majority of the Commission. The Commission may enter into contracts for goods and services, including research and report preparation, subject to appropriations and applicable laws. The Commission can request information from federal agencies, including confidential information, which must be provided upon request. The Administrator of General Services is authorized to provide reimbursable administrative support services to the Commission. The Commission may accept donations of goods, services, or property. The Commission is permitted to use the United States mails. Subcommittees, members, and agents of the Commission can take actions authorized to the Commission itself.

What does ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. of Land Reparations Commission Act do?

This section outlines administrative provisions for the Commission. The Commission may appoint additional personnel as needed to fulfill its functions. The Chair and staff can be appointed and compensated without full regard to civil service laws, with pay capped at the equivalent of Executive Schedule Level V. Federal employees can be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, retaining their existing rights and status. The Commission can procure consultant services under 5 U.S.C. 3109, with rates capped at the equivalent of Executive Schedule Level IV. Commission members can be compensated up to the daily equivalent of Executive Schedule Level IV pay. Commission members are eligible for travel expenses similar to those provided for intermittent government employees. The Federal Advisory Committee Act does not apply to the Commission.

What does TERMINATION. of Land Reparations Commission Act do?

The Commission has a termination clause Termination occurs 90 days after report submission to Congress

Back to bills

Land Reparations Commission Act

Last updated: 3/12/2026 · Introduced: 3/12/2026

Author: Shri Thanedar (D-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a Commission on Land Reparations to study and develop proposals for land reparations for African-American descendants of slaves.
The Commission will identify eligible individuals and establish an application process for receiving land reparations, potentially in the form of subsidies or cash payments.
The Commission is tasked with identifying and procuring suitable land from various sources to fulfill reparations.
The 15-member Commission will include politically appointed officials and subject matter experts with expertise in African-American studies and reparatory justice.
The Commission must submit a comprehensive report to Congress within 18 months of its first meeting and will terminate 90 days after submission.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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