California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB62

Introduced
12/2/24  
Refer
2/24/25  
Report Pass
2/24/25  
Refer
2/25/25  
Report Pass
4/30/25  
Refer
4/30/25  
Refer
5/7/25  
Report Pass
5/23/25  
Engrossed
5/29/25  
Refer
5/29/25  
Refer
6/11/25  
Report Pass
7/16/25  

Caption

Agency: racially motivated eminent domain.

Impact

If enacted, AB 62 would significantly alter the procedures surrounding eminent domain in California. It establishes the Office of Legal Affairs as the body responsible for reviewing claims from individuals asserting that they were victims of racially motivated eminent domain. The bill further obliges the Office to determine fair market value for the taken property and ensures that just compensation is awarded, potentially restoring displaced communities' connections to their historical neighborhoods and addressing the wealth gap caused by such historical injustices.

Summary

Assembly Bill 62, introduced by Assembly Member McKinnor, aims to address historical injustices related to eminent domain by providing a framework for victims of racially motivated property acquisition to seek restitution. The bill defines 'racially motivated eminent domain' as the process whereby governmental entities take private property without just compensation due to the owner's ethnicity or race. It seeks to enable dispossessed owners or their descendants to reclaim their property, receive equivalent property, or obtain financial compensation.

Sentiment

Supporters of AB 62 have expressed strong approval, seeing it as a crucial step towards rectifying racial inequities and restoring dignity to affected communities. However, there are concerns among some policymakers and stakeholders regarding the implementation and potential administrative burdens of the bill. Critics argue that the bill might encourage excessive litigation and complicate future eminent domain procedures. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the need to redress past wrongs.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the challenges in definitively determining whether a taking was racially motivated and the appropriate compensation levels. Critics worry that criteria for determining eligibility might be too vague, leading to disputes over claims. Additionally, some fear that the bill could create a precedent for re-examining past eminent domain actions, which could destabilize existing land use practices. The debate ultimately reflects a broader tension between addressing historical injustices and maintaining effective property rights frameworks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA SB1050

California American Freedmen Affairs Agency: racially motivated eminent domain.

CA AB1950

Task force: former Chavez Ravine property: eminent domain: compensation.

CA SB1403

California American Freedmen Affairs Agency.

CA AB1607

Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency.

CA ACA11

State tax agency.

CA SB490

California American Freedmen Affairs Agency.

CA AB1379

Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences.

CA AB2867

Recovery of artwork and personal property lost due to persecution.

CA AB2496

Foster family agencies and noncustodial adoption agencies.

CA AB3089

Chattel slavery: formal apology.

Similar Bills

CA SB1050

California American Freedmen Affairs Agency: racially motivated eminent domain.

CA SB518

Descendants of enslaved persons: reparations.

CA SB712

Local government: California tribes: federal fee-to-trust applications to regain ancestral lands.

ME LD124

An Act to Protect the Right to Food

ME LD1823

An Act to Protect the Right to Food

LA SB308

Provides for occupancy and possession of immovable property. (8/1/24)

TX HB4571

Relating to criminal justice.

AZ SB1070

Tax deed land sales; procedures