The Democratic-controlled New York state Assembly in a largely party-line vote on Thursday approved the creation of a commission to assess reparations remedies for slavery. 

The measure was approved, 106-41. Later Thursday, the state Senate approved the bill. It now heads to the governor for her consideration. 

If signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the commission would provide recommendations that are meant to "reverse such injuries" resulting from New York state's role in the slave trade. Its work could start as early as next January.

The earliest slaves arrived in New York around 1627 and New York gradually outlawed slavery in a generation-long abolition that took effect in 1827. 

Lawmakers in the Assembly held an hours long and emotional debate over the issue, touching on racism in their own lives. 

"Some may argue the past is the past and we should move on," said Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, the bill's sponsor. "But how can we move on when the echoes of history still reverberate on the lives of millions?"

GOP lawmakers, however, argued the legislation should explicitly have a commission spot reserved for a Republican though the bill itself does not spell out party affiliation for the panel. 

In California, lawmakers approved a similar commission which released its own findings this year on reparations. The Caifornia commission backed $500 billion in recommended payments to address that state's role in slavery.