Bill
Bill > ACR137
summary
Introduced
06/06/2024
06/06/2024
In Committee
06/06/2024
06/06/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This constitutional amendment prohibits slavery or involuntary servitude in the State of New Jersey, including as punishment for a crime. Involuntary servitude is the coerced service of one individual for the benefit of another. Currently, the State Constitution does not include any language concerning slavery or involuntary servitude. The 1776 and 1844 versions of the Constitution also did not include any mention of slavery or involuntary servitude. This amendment adds language to Article I expressly prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude. The amendment also directly prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. Prisoners in New Jersey are required to engage in labor, for a minimal pay, while they are incarcerated. The State should not have the power to compel individuals to labor against their will. This amendment ensures that no prisoner in this State would be involuntarily forced into labor, even if the labor performed by the prisoner would be compensated. However, this amendment would not take away voluntary opportunities to work for individuals who have been convicted of a crime. The State recognizes that work can assist in an individual's rehabilitation, improve practical and interpersonal skills that may be useful upon their reintegration with society, and contribute to healthier and safer penal environments.
AI Summary
This concurrent resolution proposes an amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution that would explicitly prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude, including as a punishment for a crime. Specifically, the resolution adds a new paragraph to Article I of the state constitution stating that no person shall be held in slavery or involuntary servitude in New Jersey. The proposed amendment addresses a historical gap in the state constitution, which previously had no language addressing these issues. If approved, the amendment would prevent the state from forcing prisoners to work against their will, even if they are paid, while still allowing voluntary work opportunities for incarcerated individuals. The resolution requires the proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted to voters at the next general election, with a ballot question that explains the proposed change and its implications. The interpretive statement accompanying the ballot question clarifies that the amendment would prohibit forcing individuals to work for the benefit of another, with a specific focus on protecting inmates from mandatory labor as a criminal penalty.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 06/06/2024)
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/ACR137 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/ACR/137_I1.HTM |
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