Maryland lawmakers overrode the governor’s veto to create a reparations commission, studying financial and social remedies for slavery’s legacy.

Maryland will establish a commission to study slavery reparations after lawmakers overrode Governor Wes Moore’s veto, advancing efforts to address the state’s racial injustices. The commission will examine potential reparative measures, including financial compensation, home assistance, debt relief, and education support, amid growing national momentum for reparative justice. Though Moore opposed the bill, citing prior research and urging immediate action, Democratic leaders emphasized the need for thorough study to ensure legitimacy. The move follows increased public support since the 2020 murder of George Floyd and reflects broader state and local efforts in California, New York, and Evanston, Illinois. Maryland’s Black population, at about 30%, is the highest outside the Deep South.