Int 1082-2023

Be it enacted by the Council as follows: Section 1. a. Definitions. For purposes of this local law, the term "task force" means the New York city racial justice and reparations task force established by this local law. b. Task force established. a. The mayor shall establish a temporary task force to study the impact of slavery and past injustices for African Americans in New York city and to consider solutions for such injustices, including, but not limited to, reparations. c. Membership. The task force shall consist of 9 members, as follows: 1. The commissioner of the mayor's office for equity, or the commissioner's designee; 2. The chairperson of the city commission on human rights, or the chairperson's designee; 3. Five members to be appointed by the mayor; and 2 members to be appointed by the speaker of the council. Appointed members shall include diverse New Yorkers passionate about racial equity and social justice, as well as representatives of institutions, organizations, corporations, or associations that are organized or operated primarily for historical, cultural, educational, religious, or charitable purposes and which are connected to African American heritage, history, or culture. The mayor, after consultation with the speaker of the council, shall designate a chairperson of the task force. d. Terms of membership. All members shall be appointed within 90 days after the effective date of this local law. Each member of the task force shall serve without compensation at the pleasure of the appointing authority. In the event of a vacancy on the task force during the term of an appointed member, a successor shall be selected in the same manner as the original appointment. e. Meetings. The task force shall meet at least quarterly and shall hold at least 2 public meetings prior to submission of the report required pursuant to subdivision g of this section to solicit public comment on the impact of slavery and past injustices for African Americans in New York city and reparations for such injustices. f. Role of agencies. The mayor may designate one or more agencies to provide staffing and other administrative support to the task force. g. Report. The task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the mayor and the speaker of the council no later than 12 months after the commencement of the task force. In formulating its recommendations, the task force shall consider, but not be limited to, the following: 1. Historic harms, disparities, and inequities experienced by African Americans in New York city, including but not limited to those due to slavery; 2. Any relevant research and data related to historical injustices for African Americans in New York city, and which include, but need not be limited to, those related to: mental, physical, and reproductive health outcomes, social determinants of health, housing, economic development, education, and criminal justice; 3. How reparations should be defined; and 4. And other information deemed relevant. h. Termination. The task force shall dissolve upon submission of the report required pursuant to subdivision g of this section. � 2. This local law takes effect immediately and is deemed repealed upon submission of the report required pursuant to subdivision g of this local law. BM LS # 5346, 8230 2/15/2023 5:15pm 3 1