On Tuesday, the Maryland General Assembly voted to override Governor Wes Moore’s veto of a bill that creates a commission to study reparations for slavery and racial discrimination. The Senate voted 31-14 and the House approved the override 93–35, surpassing the three-fifths majorities required in both chambers.
The decision allows Maryland to formally begin examining how to address the legacy of slavery and racial discrimination. Supporters say this step is significant as it establishes a process for considering possible forms of reparations, including official apologies, monetary compensation, property tax rebates, child-care support, debt forgiveness, and higher education tuition waivers or reimbursements. A preliminary report from the commission is due by Jan. 1, 2027, with a final report required by Nov. 1, 2027. The commission will expire in summer 2028.
Governor Moore initially vetoed Senate Bill 587 in May. In his veto letter to Senate President Bill Ferguson, Moore said that Maryland had already conducted extensive studies on the legacy of slavery over the past 25 years and should focus instead on policies that directly narrow racial disparities.
During debate ahead of the vote, Delegate Matthew Morgan said on the House floor that “This bill betrays the original intention, the unifying event of the civil rights movement. It’s immoral and it’s fiscally ruinous to this state and it sends a message to the generations out there now in Maryland that if you’re concerned about fairness, dignity, opportunity in this state — to flee Maryland,” according to Fox News.
Delegate Terri Hill urged colleagues to override the veto and said creating the commission was “the right one.” The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland released a statement calling it “a rigorous and comprehensive plan for reparations” and marking it as “Maryland’s first-ever step toward reparations. At a time of growing attacks on diversity and equity, today’s action reaffirms our shared commitment to truth-telling, accountability, and meaningful progress for Black Marylanders,” according to their statement posted on social media.
