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Bill > H646


NC H646

NC H646
Const. Amend.: Remove Slavery as Punishment


summary

Introduced
04/01/2025
In Committee
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)

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (on 04/02/2025)

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