§ 12911

For purposes of this chapter:

(a) “Bureau” means the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery.

(b) “Deputy director” means the Deputy Director of the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery.

(c) “Descendants” means individuals who can establish direct lineage to a person who, prior to 1900, was subjected to American chattel slavery and meets at least one of the following criteria:

(1) Was emancipated through legal or extralegal means, including self-purchase, manumission, executive or legislative action, military service, or judicial ruling.

(2) Obtained freedom through gradual abolition statutes or constitutional amendments.

(3) Was classified as a fugitive from bondage under federal or state law.

(4) Was deemed contraband by military authorities.

(5) Rendered military or civic service while subject to legal restrictions based on ancestry historically associated with slavery.

(Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 586, Sec. 1. (SB 518) Effective January 1, 2026.)