On April 14, Assemblymember Issac Bryan introduced a new legislative bill, AB2599, in a judiciary hearing at the Capitol in Sacramento, which supporters suggest is a step in a positive direction as the bill requires specific organizations and corporations in California to report historical connections to slavery and slavery-related economic activity.
“This bill focuses on transparency and public accountability,” said Assemblymember Isaac Bryan. “Californians deserve clear, standardized information about corporate histories that continue to shape today’s economy.”
AB 2599, The Truth Disclosure Act, was heard and presented to the Judiciary Committee. Assemblymember Issac Bryan, a prominent figure, authored the legislative measure, which the California Black Legislative Caucus also prioritizes. In-state corporate entities involved are required to submit a sworn affidavit that explicitly states whether they, or their associated or predecessor entities, participated in or profited from slavery-era transactions. The oath testimonies would be subject to penalties of perjury.
Disclosure requirements will exist, but new taxes will not be imposed. “Disclosure is a necessary first step toward accountability,” said Civil Rights Attorney Lisa Holder. “This bill creates a clear process for documenting historical ties that have long remained opaque.”
While the bill may seem new to the public in modern times, it is not, as it is very similar to two other bills, SB 657—The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (2010) and SB 2199—The Slavery Era Insurance Policies Act (2000), following a similar model of corporations in California having to disclose their ties to a morally impactful historical happening, in this case, slavery.
Supporters suggest the bill provides trustworthy information to the public, politicians, and researchers while establishing a uniform framework for disclosure.
Mona Tawatao, legal director of the Equal Justice Society, shares some insight about AB 2599. Tawatao states, “The bill aims to ensure that companies that profited from enslaved individuals provide truthful information, and that they do so under oath.”
The bill coincides with California’s ongoing broader conversations on economic accountability and corporate transparency, as well as the start of the 2026 legislative session.
“I think people applaud businesses that take a moral stand… and so I think there’s a potential for [such legislation] to be good for business if businesses are seen as good actors,” said Tawatao.
Representatives of the Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation and Truth (ARRT) also participated in the Judiciary Committee hearing. ARRT is a multiracial, comprehensive coalition advancing truth-telling, accountability, and public education related to the enduring impacts of slavery and systemic harm in California. More information can be found at alliancefor.org.