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California reparations push seeks to force corporate disclosure of historic slavery ties via AB 2599

Executive summary: Reparations advocates held a press conference at the California State Capitol on August 24, 2026 to build support for AB 2599, the Truth in Disclosure Act, which would mandate certain corporations to disclose historical ties to slavery and human trafficking. The legislation would create a new reporting requirement for qualifying businesses, potentially raising compliance costs and reputational considerations, and could set a precedent for other states considering similar disclosure laws.

Who is involved: Reparations and civil rights organizations, community partners, California legislators sponsoring AB 2599, and the corporations that would be subject to the disclosure requirement.

Likely next: The rally aims to secure enough legislative backing for a final vote on AB 2599; if passed, affected companies will need to assess their historical ties and prepare disclosure reports, while opponents may mobilize against the bill.

On August 24, 2026, reparations advocates and civil rights groups gathered at the California State Capitol to urge final passage of Assembly Bill 2599, the Truth in Disclosure Act. The bill would require qualifying corporations to publicly report any historical connections to slavery or human trafficking. Advocates argue the measure promotes transparency and accountability, while business groups have not yet issued a formal stance. If enacted, the law would add a new compliance obligation for affected firms and could influence similar legislation elsewhere.

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