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Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-04-02

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language 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.