California allocates $6M to study reparations for descendants of enslaved people but vetoes related aid bills.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law allocating $6 million to study ancestry verification for descendants of enslaved people, establishing a state bureau to advance reparative efforts, but vetoed several related bills, including those for college admissions preferences and housing aid for descendants. Newsom cited legal concerns and existing legal bans on racial preferences as reasons for the vetoes, emphasizing that colleges already have admissions discretion. The move follows a 2023 task force recommendation for reparations, though advocates argue the actions fall short of meaningful redress.