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HB 1271

Reparations - Board, Fund, and Excise Tax on Endowments - Establishment

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 4 co-sponsors

Maryland bill establishes reparations board and fund financed by excise tax on college and university endowments to provide compensation for historical injustices.

Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m. (Government, Labor, and Elections)
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Bill Summary · HB 1271

Legislative bill overview

HB 1271 proposes establishing a reparations board and fund in Maryland, funded through a new excise tax on university and college endowments. The bill aims to provide financial compensation to individuals affected by historical injustices, with the tax revenue dedicated to supporting this reparations initiative.

Why is this important

Reparations remain a contentious policy debate with significant fiscal and social implications. This bill represents a concrete attempt to implement reparations at the state level while identifying a specific funding mechanism, making it directly relevant to discussions about redressing historical harms and how to finance such efforts.

Potential points of contention

  • Endowment tax scope and impact: Critics may argue the excise tax on endowments could reduce funding for scholarships, research, and institutional operations at universities, while supporters contend institutions can absorb the cost given their resources
  • Eligibility and program design: Determining who qualifies for reparations (descendancy requirements, income limits, offense categories) will require precise definitions and may face legal and logistical challenges
  • Constitutionality concerns: Questions may arise regarding whether race-based compensation programs meet constitutional scrutiny under equal protection doctrine, particularly following recent Supreme Court decisions on affirmative action

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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