By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
Asm. Isaac Bryan’s Bill Aims to Force Corporations to Disclose Historical Ties to Slavery
Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) has introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 2599, legislation that seeks to uncover historical and modern-day links between specific industries and the practice of slavery through mandatory self-reporting.
Titled “Slavery: Corporate Disclosures,” the bill requires specific companies—including textile, tobacco, railroad, shipping, financial, and insurance firms—to submit affidavits declaring whether they or their related entities facilitated or profited from slavery.
When asked by California Black Media (CBM) to clarify the specifics of the bill before the Legislature recessed, Bryan declined to comment but indicated he would address the matter at a later time.
AB 2599 will be heard in the Assembly Judiciary Committee in mid- to late April.
“We’ll talk about it after the hearing,” Bryan told CBM on March 24.
According to the bill’slanguage, particular provisions of AB 2599 would require companies in key industries to search their records and submit an affidavit, under penalty of perjury, verifying if they or their related entities bought or sold enslaved people, used them as collateral, or provided financing and insurance for such transactions.
The disclosures must include the names of individuals involved and evidence of profits gained from these slavery-related transactions. The deadlines for companies’ disclosure would be before Jan. 1, 2027, and the initial affidavit would be due by July 1, 2027
Co-authored by CLBC Chair Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D–San Diego), the legislation also emphasizes public accountability. Under the bill’s provisions, AB 2599 requires the creation of a public digital platform by Jan. 3, 2028, to make affidavits, reports, and related data accessible.
The language states that the bill is intended to “promote healing and assist in remedying depressed economic conditions, poverty, unequal educational opportunity, and other legacies of slavery.”
Gov. Newsom Signs Executive Order Putting New Limits on AI
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on March 30 placing new limits on how artificial intelligence can be used in state government, while also encouraging agencies to expand use of the technology.
The order directs state agencies to create safeguards aimed at preventing harm from AI systems, including violations of civil rights, unlawful surveillance and the creation of harmful content. At the same time, it calls on agencies to adopt vetted AI tools to improve efficiency and public services.
“California’s always been the birthplace of innovation. But we also understand the flip side: in the wrong hands, innovation can be misused in ways that put people at risk,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement.
“California leads in AI, and we’re going to use every tool we have to ensure companies protect people’s rights, not exploit them or put them in harm’s way,” the governor added.
The move reflects California’s effort to balance innovation with oversight as the state remains a global hub for AI development. The order requires agencies to recommend contract standards that address risks such as discrimination, misuse of personal data and the potential for AI to generate illegal content.
Agencies must also update the state’s digital strategy to identify ways generative AI can improve transparency, accountability and access to government services. The directive includes plans to expand AI tools for public use and to guide employees on labeling AI-generated images and videos with watermarks.
The order follows a dispute between the U.S. Department of Defense and San Francisco-based AI company Anthropic, which was labeled a supply chain risk after disagreements over contract terms. A judge has since issued a temporary injunction blocking that designation. Under the order, California will review such federal decisions before determining whether to contract with affected companies.
Newsom’s office criticized federal AI policy under President Donald Trump, saying it does not go far enough to address risks.
“Unlike the Trump administration, California remains committed to ensuring that AI solutions adopted and deployed by (California)… cannot be misused by bad actors,” the governor’s office said in a statement.
This is Newsom’s second executive order on AI, following a 2023 directive focused on generative technology. The policy comes as state agencies expand AI use across services and operations.
Poll: Black Californians Overwhelmingly Disapprove of Federal Immigration Policies
Black Californians overwhelmingly disapprove of federal immigration policies, reflecting broader concerns about civil rights and enforcement practices, according to a new statewide survey.
The poll, conducted by the Berkeley IGS Poll, found strong opposition to immigration policies under President Donald Trump across multiple demographic groups, including Black voters. The findings highlight growing concern that current enforcement actions may harm not only undocumented immigrants but also U.S. citizens.
Overall, 64% of California voters disapprove of the administration’s immigration policies, with 57% saying they strongly disapprove. The poll also found that nearly half of voters, 45%, are concerned that they or someone close to them could be detained under current policies.
Among Black voters, concerns about detention are widespread, with about half reporting they are very or somewhat worried that they, a family member or a close friend could be detained. The findings suggest that fears about immigration enforcement extend beyond immigrant communities.
“The results show a continuous distrust of Trump immigration practices, with tactics that seem to undercut legal rights… receiving the lowest approval, especially among Democrats,” said G. Cristina Mora, co-director of the poll.
The survey also found broad skepticism toward federal immigration agencies. Six in ten voters statewide said they have little or no trust in agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol to fairly enforce immigration laws.
Large majorities of voters oppose key enforcement tactics. About 79% said immigration agents should not be allowed to enter homes without a judge-approved warrant, while two in three oppose agents wearing masks while on duty.
Support for state and local intervention is also high. About 68% of voters said local authorities should step in if they witness unlawful detentions or excessive force by federal agents.
The poll revealed deep partisan divides. While most Democrats and independent voters disapprove of federal immigration policies, large majorities of Republicans support them.
The survey was conducted March 9 to 15 among 5,109 registered voters in California.
California Black Health Network Announces Virtual Conference
The California Black Health Network (CBHN) will host a virtual Behavioral and Mental Health Conference on May 13, bringing together health experts, advocates and policymakers to address some of the most pressing — and often overlooked — mental health challenges affecting Black communities.
Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the half-day conference will focus on rising levels of toxic stress, suicide among Black men and boys, and increasing rates of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Black Americans are nearly twice as likely as White Americans to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, according to national data cited by organizers.
The event comes amid ongoing disparities in mental health access and outcomes. Data from the University of California, Los Angeles California Health Interview Survey shows that about 18% of Black Californians have seriously considered suicide, while more than 27% experiencing serious psychological distress report not having a regular source of care.
“Black communities continue to shoulder disproportionate mental health burdens that are rooted in systemic inequities, trauma, and limited access to culturally competent care. This conference is designed to shine a light on these disparities while elevating actionable solutions and pathways toward wellness,” said CBHN Executive Director Rhonda Smith.
Organizers say the conference, held during Mental Health Awareness Month, will explore the connections between chronic stress, behavioral health and cognitive decline while offering culturally relevant strategies for prevention, healing and resilience.
Founded more than 40 years ago, CBHN is the only Black-led statewide organization focused on advancing health equity for Black Californians through policy advocacy, health education and community engagement.
The conference will feature speakers from institutions including the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, National University, Movember and the California Behavioral Health Association. Participants will gain tools to support families, strengthen community resilience and improve access to culturally competent care.
Registration is currently open.
California Expands Broadband Footprint as Digital Divide Shrinks
On April 2 in Inyo County, Gov. Gavin Newsom joined tribal leaders to mark a milestone in California’s push to expand internet access: the first Native community in the state connected to high-speed broadband through its growing public network.
At a ceremonial “switch-on,” the Bishop Paiute Tribe became the first to benefit from the state’s $3.2 billion effort to build roughly 8,000 miles of fiber-optic infrastructure aimed at closing long-standing gaps in rural and tribal connectivity.
“We’re not just talking about closing the digital divide — we’re doing it. California is delivering fast, reliable, and affordable internet to communities across the state,” Newsom said. “That means more students with stronger access to educational resources, more families accessing critical health care, and more Californians having the opportunity to apply for good-paying jobs. This progress is real, it’s measurable, and it’s making a difference in people’s lives.”
State officials describe the system as the nation’s largest publicly owned middle-mile broadband network, designed to serve as a backbone that local providers — including tribally owned internet services — can tap into. In Bishop, the new service is powered by a 423-mile segment running from Barstow to the Nevada border along U.S. Highway 395.
The milestone comes as California reports measurable progress in narrowing the digital divide statewide. According to a new issue brief released by the Little Hoover Commission, the share of households without broadband has dropped by more than seven percentage points in recent years.
The report credits major investments in infrastructure and affordability programs, including the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, the California Advanced Services Fund, and federal funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. Together, these efforts are expanding coverage while helping more residents afford reliable internet service.
“In today’s world, digital connectivity is foundational to education, healthcare, economic participation, and civic engagement,” the report states.
Still, gaps remain. Nearly 5% of California households lack broadband access, with disparities most pronounced in rural and tribal regions — the very communities projects like the Bishop connection aim to reach. Income also plays a significant role: about 20% of households earning under $20,000 annually remain offline, compared with fewer than 3% of those earning over $75,000.
The report underscores that building infrastructure alone is not enough. Addressing affordability, digital literacy, and geographic barriers will be key to ensuring equitable access.
If You Don’t Build, We Won’t Fund: California Cracks Down on Cities and Counties
Gov. Gavin Newsom is taking a hard line on local housing compliance, warning 15 cities and counties that the state may withhold funding if they fail to meet housing law requirements.
Local governments have 30 days to respond before the state pursues legal action.
“Every community needs to address homelessness and create new, affordable housing — period, full stop,” Newsom said. The governor emphasized that communities lagging in housing production will face consequences, including potential court intervention.
The crackdown targets jurisdictions that have not certified housing elements, which outline plans to meet residents’ housing needs across income levels. Among the cities and counties named in the March 25 announcement are Atwater, Half Moon Bay, Merced County, and Ridgecrest. These jurisdictions are more than two years behind schedule in aligning with state law.
State officials say legal action could include withholding grants, requiring court orders to approve new developments, or compelling local governments to adopt policies that increase housing capacity. Housing advocates argue that enforcement is essential to address California’s ongoing shortage of affordable units and growing homelessness crisis.
Newsom’s approach reflects frustration over local resistance to state mandates. Some cities cite planning, zoning, or environmental challenges as obstacles, while the state stresses the urgency of meeting housing targets and ensuring funds are used effectively. More than 92% of California communities have complied with housing requirements in the current cycle, according to state data.
The 30-day window is designed to spur immediate action. Officials say the state will closely monitor responses and move swiftly to enforce compliance if necessary. The initiative underscores California’s commitment to holding local leaders accountable and prioritizing housing accessibility for all residents.
