California to study reparations for Black residents under new law signed by Gov. Newsom

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law on Wednesday that opens the door to the state paying reparations of some kind to Black Californians, especially those who are descendants of slaves.

The law does not commit to any specific kind of payment. It calls for a nine-member task force that will be asked to make recommendations for how reparations could be provided, such as through compensation or restitution.

The task force can also make recommendations on eliminating state laws and policies that perpetuate discrimination and on issuing a formal apology “for...