CA SB490

Establishes the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency in state government under a director appointed by the Governor to implement recommendations of the Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans.

Creates nine offices within the agency including a Genealogy Office, Office of Strategic Communications and Media Affairs, Business Affairs Office, Creative and Cultural Affairs Office, and Data Research and Collection Office to support reparations claimants and descendant communities.

Requires the agency to oversee and monitor existing state agencies in education, social services, housing, healthcare, labor, legal services, and infrastructure development to ensure descendants receive proportionate benefits and remedies for historical harms.

Defines "descendants" as African American descendants of enslaved persons or free Black persons living in the United States prior to the end of the 19th century.

Requires the agency to include specific offices for genealogical research assistance, direct compensation processing, financial services, legal affairs, and strategic partnerships with community-based organizations.