Bill > HJRI

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to Michigan's state constitution that would eliminate the exception allowing slavery or involuntary servitude as a potential punishment for crime. Specifically, the resolution modifies Section 9 of Article I by removing the language that previously permitted involuntary servitude "for the punishment of crime" and instead establishing a blanket prohibition that "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall ever be tolerated in this state." The proposed constitutional amendment would be submitted to Michigan voters for approval at the next general election, following standard legal procedures for constitutional changes. This resolution aims to remove a longstanding constitutional provision that historically allowed for forced labor as a criminal penalty, which has roots in post-Civil War era practices that effectively perpetuated forms of forced labor, particularly affecting African Americans.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HJR-I