Const. Amend.: Remove Slavery as Punishment
Plain English Summary
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to remove the exception that currently allows involuntary servitude as punishment for crime in North Carolina. If approved by voters in November 2026, it would make slavery and involuntary servitude completely prohibited under all circumstances in the state constitution.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue that the current constitutional language contains a loophole from the 13th Amendment that has allowed states to use forced labor in prisons, perpetuating a system with roots in slavery. They contend that removing this exception aligns North Carolina with the intent of modern criminal justice reform and ensures no one in the state can be subjected to involuntary servitude under any circumstances, including as punishment for crime.
Arguments Against
Opponents may argue that the current exception allowing involuntary servitude as criminal punishment has legitimate penological purposes and that removing it could limit sentencing options or prison labor programs that fund institutional operations. Some may question whether this constitutional change is necessary given existing federal protections or whether it could create unintended consequences for the criminal justice system.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 56
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 38
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 44
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 92
Cosponsors (20)
Representative · District 39
Representative · District 48
Representative · District 45
Representative · District 72
Representative · District 112
Representative · District 71
Representative · District 42
Representative · District 41
Representative · District 27
Representative · District 50
Representative · District 40
Representative · District 61
Representative · District 114
Representative · District 100
Representative · District 36
Representative · District 88
Representative · District 31
Representative · District 58
Representative · District 101
Representative · District 34