This bill amends the Securities Act of 1933 to require certain issuers, defined as those with over 100 employees or $300 million capitalization, to conduct **racial equity audits** every two years. These independent audits must assess the issuer's policies and practices on civil rights, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as their impact on the business. Crucially, the audits must also determine if the issuer, its predecessors, or affiliates had direct or indirect ties to or profited from the institution of **slavery**. Following the audit, issuers must submit a report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and make it publicly available. If ties to slavery are identified, the report must disclose steps taken or planned for **reconciliation**, which may include providing startup capital, funding savings programs in low-to-moderate income communities, or offering grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Black organizations. Failure to comply results in daily fines for both the issuer and responsible employees, with collected funds directed to programs like housing assistance and the newly established **Office of Minority Low to Moderate Income Programs** within the Treasury Department, which is authorized to provide grants for atonement initiatives. The bill also creates a private right of action for harmed securities holders and whistleblower awards for information leading to successful enforcement.
Original Securities and Exchange Atonement Act of 2024
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Finance and Financial Sector
Original Securities and Exchange Atonement Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-4925| House
| Updated: 8/8/2025
This bill amends the Securities Act of 1933 to require certain issuers, defined as those with over 100 employees or $300 million capitalization, to conduct **racial equity audits** every two years. These independent audits must assess the issuer's policies and practices on civil rights, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as their impact on the business. Crucially, the audits must also determine if the issuer, its predecessors, or affiliates had direct or indirect ties to or profited from the institution of **slavery**. Following the audit, issuers must submit a report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and make it publicly available. If ties to slavery are identified, the report must disclose steps taken or planned for **reconciliation**, which may include providing startup capital, funding savings programs in low-to-moderate income communities, or offering grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Black organizations. Failure to comply results in daily fines for both the issuer and responsible employees, with collected funds directed to programs like housing assistance and the newly established **Office of Minority Low to Moderate Income Programs** within the Treasury Department, which is authorized to provide grants for atonement initiatives. The bill also creates a private right of action for harmed securities holders and whistleblower awards for information leading to successful enforcement.