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NJ SR53
NJ SR53Urges Congress to propose amendment to United States Constitution to prohibit use of slavery or indentured servitude for individuals convicted of crime.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This resolution respectfully urges Congress to amend the United States Constitution to prohibit the use of slavery or indentured servitude for individuals convicted of a crime. It is commonly understood that the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery and indentured servitude. However, the Thirteenth Amendment makes an exception for the use of slavery and indentured servitude as punishments for individuals convicted of a crime. The average wage for a working incarcerated individual is a mere 93 cents per hour. The work that is typically required of incarcerated individuals does not prepare or develop skills that are necessary for employment in the labor market outside of prison. The work provides neither a sufficient wage to prepare for life outside of prison, nor skills necessary to obtain work upon release. Therefore Congress should amend the United States Constitution to prohibit the use of slavery and indentured servitude for incarcerated individuals.
AI Summary
This resolution urges Congress to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution to abolish slavery and indentured servitude, even as punishment for crimes. While the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, adopted in 1865, is generally understood to have ended slavery and involuntary servitude, it contains an exception allowing these practices as punishment for individuals convicted of a crime. This resolution highlights that incarcerated individuals often work for very low wages, averaging just 93 cents per hour, and that the work they perform typically does not equip them with skills needed for employment after release, nor does it provide sufficient income to prepare them for life outside of prison. The resolution also notes the significant size of the incarcerated population in the U.S. and the role of private correctional facilities, which can profit from low-cost prison labor.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SR53 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/SR/53_I1.HTM |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/SR/53_I1.HTM |
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