summary
Introduced
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
In Committee
04/02/2025
04/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT TO MAKE ABSOLUTE THE PROHIBITION AGAINST SLAVERY AND INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE IN THE STATE.
AI Summary
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to remove the exception that currently allows involuntary servitude as a form of punishment for convicted criminals in North Carolina. Specifically, the bill would modify Section 17 of Article I of the state constitution to remove language that permits involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment. The amendment will be placed on the ballot during the statewide general election on November 3, 2026, where voters will decide whether to approve the change by voting "FOR" or "AGAINST" the constitutional amendment. If a majority of voters support the amendment, the State Board of Elections will certify the results, and the Secretary of State will officially enroll the amendment in the state's permanent records, making the prohibition on slavery and involuntary servitude absolute without any exceptions. This change aims to eliminate a longstanding constitutional provision that has been criticized for potentially perpetuating forms of forced labor within the criminal justice system.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (24)
Terry Brown (D)*,
Allen Buansi (D)*,
Abe Jones (D)*,
Charles Smith (D)*,
Eric Ager (D),
Amber Baker (D),
Mary Belk (D),
Kanika Brown (D),
Maria Cervania (D),
Mike Colvin (D),
Julia Greenfield (D),
Pricey Harrison (D),
Zack Hawkins (D),
Frances Jackson (D),
Carolyn Logan (D),
Tim Longest (D),
Jordan Lopez (D),
Garland Pierce (D),
Rodney Pierce (D),
Renée Price (D),
Amos Quick (D),
James Roberson (D),
Phil Rubin (D),
Julie Von Haefen (D),
Last Action
Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (on 04/02/2025)
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.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H646 |
BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H646v1.pdf |
BillText | https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H646v0.pdf |
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