In a move that left many scratching their heads, two key bills aimed at establishing reparations for the descendants of enslaved Black Americans were abruptly halted in the California legislature on Saturday.

Despite months of anticipation, Senate Bills 1331 and 1403, spearheaded by Democrat state Sen. Steven Bradford from Inglewood, will not be moving forward this year, as reported by Fox News.

Senate Bill 1331 sought to create a state fund specifically for reparations, while Senate Bill 1403 aimed to establish a state agency to manage these efforts and determine eligibility.

Shotgun Pistol - No FFL Required, Shipped Directly To Your Home

MORE NEWS: Why a Fan is Cashing Out on Her Taylor Swift Tickets [WATCH]

Close

These bills were part of a broader initiative by certain lawmakers who claimed that California needed to atone for what they described as a legacy of systemic racism affecting Black Americans in areas ranging from housing to education and healthcare.

However, the Democrat-controlled California legislature, while busy passing numerous other bills aimed at addressing past racial injustices, stopped short of approving any measures that would result in direct payments to African-Americans. The reason? Fear that Governor Gavin Newsom would ultimately veto the bills, according to Sen. Bradford.

“We’re at the finish line, and we, as the Black Caucus, owe it to the descendants of chattel slavery, to Black Californians and Black Americans, to move this legislation forward,” Bradford implored, urging his colleagues to reconsider.

Meanwhile, California Legislative Black Caucus Chair Assemblymember Lori Wilson admitted that more work is needed on the proposals. “We knew from the very beginning that it was an uphill battle…. And we also knew from the very beginning that it would be a multiyear effort,” she stated, signaling that these bills might make a comeback in the next legislative session.

Do you think Hunter Biden's guilty plea proves IRS and DOJ helped tilt the 2020 election for Joe?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

In a statement posted on X, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) acknowledged its internal struggles, revealing that they were “unable to participate in the legislative process collectively and only recently became aware of the concerns with [SB 1403].” The CLBC further noted that SB 1331 would not advance this year either.

Not everyone was content to wait. A group of protesters gathered at the Capitol, expressing their frustration with the CLBC. The Coalition for a Just & Equitable California accused the Caucus of betrayal, claiming that they had the votes to pass the bills but chose not to bring them to a vote.

MORE NEWS: Trump Shreds Kamala For Spitting Out “One of the Dumbest Answers” at Debate [WATCH]

“This type of betrayal cannot go unanswered. There must be a political price to pay,” the Coalition declared on X, adding a stark warning to politicians: “We are not captured. We do not belong to any party or special interest.”

Meanwhile, California Republican Assemblymember Bill Essayli, representing Corona, attempted to bring the bills to a vote, but no one else would second his motion. Essayli later accused the Democrats of hiding when it came time to fulfill their promises of direct cash reparations, arguing that at the very least, there should have been a debate and a recorded vote on the issue.

Both SB 1331 and 1403 were ultimately shelved before midnight, leaving the future of reparations legislation in California uncertain.

Although Gov. Newsom has yet to weigh in on these specific bills, he previously signed a nearly $300 billion budget that includes up to $12 million for reparations-related efforts—though where that money will go remains unclear.