CA SB437

Authorizes up to $6,000,000 from the Budget Act of 2025 for California State University to conduct research supporting the recommendations of the state's reparations Task Force

Requires CSU to establish a process for conducting or verifying genealogical research to confirm individuals' status as descendants of enslaved persons for reparative claim eligibility by the 2029-30 academic year, with work beginning by the 2026-27 academic year

Defines "descendant of an enslaved person" as someone with direct lineage to a person subjected to American chattel slavery before 1900 who was emancipated, freed through gradual abolition, classified as a fugitive from bondage, deemed contraband by military authorities, or rendered service while subject to slavery-based legal restrictions

Requires CSU to consult annually with the California Legislative Black Caucus to propose research components and submit annual reports to the Legislature and Governor on research progress until funding is exhausted

Permits CSU to partner with other universities or nonprofit institutions and use funding to support student participation in the genealogical research efforts