A Resolution urging the Congress of the United States to pass a constitutional amendment that provides that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude may be imposed as a punishment for a crime.
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This resolution urges the United States Congress to pass a constitutional amendment that would eliminate the exception allowing slavery or involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. The resolution highlights the historical exploitation of this exception through ‘Black Codes’ and convict leasing, which have contributed to disproportionately high incarceration rates among African Americans. It references recent state-level efforts to remove similar provisions from state constitutions and a proposed federal amendment to address the issue.
Key provisions
- Urges the Congress of the United States to pass a constitutional amendment.
- Specifically addresses the exception clause in the Thirteenth Amendment.
- References historical practices like ‘Black Codes’ and convict leasing.
- Notes the disproportionate incarceration rates of African Americans.
- Acknowledges recent state-level efforts to remove related provisions from state constitutions.
- Mentions a proposed federal amendment introduced by Senators Merkley and Representatives Williams.
Who is affected
- African Americans
- Federal inmates
- Congress of the United States
- State governments
- Private contractors (historically)
Notable changes
- The resolution seeks to eliminate a loophole in the Constitution that has allowed for the continuation of forced labor.
Bill text
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Document of record
- Version
- Pn 0503 Html
- Published
- Not published in the source record
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
9 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Benjamin Sanchez
Christopher Rabb
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