Bill
Bill > SCR16
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 to amend the New Jersey State Constitution by adding a new section to Article I that explicitly prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, which is defined as being forced to work against one's will for the benefit of another. This amendment is significant because the current State Constitution does not contain any language addressing slavery or involuntary servitude, and it specifically clarifies that this prohibition extends to situations where such servitude is imposed as a punishment for a crime. While New Jersey currently requires incarcerated individuals to perform labor for minimal pay, this resolution aims to prevent the state from compelling prisoners to work against their will, even if compensated, while still allowing for voluntary work opportunities that can aid in rehabilitation.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/SCR16 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/SCR/16_I1.HTM |
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