Maryland lawmakers have voted to override Democrat Gov. Wes Moore’s veto of a bill creating a statewide slavery reparations commission, setting the stage for the state to formally study proposals ranging from monetary payments to tax benefits and tuition waivers.
On Tuesday, the Senate voted 31–14 to override the veto, while the House followed with a 93–35 vote, both clearing the required three-fifths threshold.
Moore, who is black, vetoed Senate Bill 587 in May.
The governor argues that Maryland had already conducted extensive reviews of its history related to slavery and racial discrimination.
Instead, Moore asserts that the state should focus on implementing policies aimed at narrowing racial disparities.
In a letter to Senate President Bill Ferguson, Moore pointed to multiple commissions launched over the past 25 years.
Those commissions have already included studies on lynching and Maryland’s broader history of slavery.
Ahead of Tuesday’s override vote, Del. Matthew Morgan (R–St. Mary’s County) criticized the measure on the House floor.
Morgan is accusing Democrats of emphasizing affordability in public messaging while advancing what he described as “race-bait handouts.”
“This bill betrays the original intention, the unifying event of the civil rights movement,” Morgan said.
“It’s immoral, and it’s fiscally ruinous to this state, and it sends a message to the generations out there now in Maryland that if you’re concerned about fairness, dignity, opportunity in this state — to flee Maryland.”
Del. Terri Hill (D–Howard County) urged lawmakers to move forward with the bill, saying the commission’s creation is a decision “we still feel is the right one.”
With the veto now overridden, Maryland will begin assembling the commission.
The commission is now tasked with considering a wide range of potential reparations proposals.
Options include official apologies, direct payments, property tax rebates, child-care support, debt forgiveness, and higher education tuition waivers or reimbursements.
A preliminary report is due January 1, 2027, with a final report required by November 1, 2027.
The commission will dissolve in the summer of 2028.
The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland celebrated the override, calling the vote a historic milestone.
“This landmark action establishes a rigorous and comprehensive plan for reparations and marks Maryland’s first-ever step toward reparations,” the caucus said in a statement.
“At a time of growing attacks on diversity and equity, today’s action reaffirms our shared commitment to truth-telling, accountability, and meaningful progress for black Marylanders.”
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