Brazil Commission approves redirecting racism fines to equality programs

The Commission on Human Rights, Minorities and Racial Equality of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has approved a proposal to redirect funds from racism-related fines toward combating racial discrimination. Under the current law, these fines are sent to the penitentiary fund without a specific mandate for racial equality initiatives.

The approved text, a substitute presented by rapporteur Tadeu Veneri for Bill 4358/21, expands the scope to include not only fines but also pecuniary payments and civil public action indemnities. These resources will be integrated into the National System for the Promotion of Racial Equality (Sinapir) to fund public policies and programs targeting Black populations and other ethnic-racial groups.

If pecuniary payments are not directed to victims or their dependents, they may be used by public or private entities working to combat racism. Funds from civil public actions must be applied to funds established by the Civil Public Action Law to restore assets affected by discrimination. The proposal now moves to the Commissions on Finance and Taxation and on Constitution, Justice and Citizenship before proceeding to the Senate.