CA SB518

Establishes the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within the Civil Rights Department, led by a deputy director appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate

Creates a Genealogy Division to verify and certify individuals as descendants of people subjected to American chattel slavery prior to 1900, with proof of descendant status required for state-authorized benefits

Establishes an Education and Outreach Division to develop public education campaigns on gentrification, redlining, discriminatory urban planning history, and findings from the California Reparations Report

Creates a Legal Affairs Division to provide legal counsel, ensure compliance with legislative authority, and serve as liaison with other agencies on legal matters

Implementation is contingent upon appropriation of sufficient funding by the Legislature; the bureau may receive federal, state, local, and private donations but donors cannot influence policy decisions