Amends State Constitution to prohibit slavery or involuntary servitude.
ACR 137 is a proposed constitutional amendment to New Jersey's state constitution that would explicitly prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances, including as punishment for a crime. This directly affects incarcerated individuals, as current law requires prison labor with minimal pay - this amendment would end forced labor (even if compensated) while allowing voluntary work programs. The bill adds a new paragraph to Article I of the constitution stating: "No person shall be held in slavery or involuntary servitude in this State, including as a penalty or a punishment for a crime." It requires voter approval through a referendum at the next general election following legislative passage. The amendment does not prohibit voluntary work by inmates, which the state states supports rehabilitation and skill-building.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jun 6, 2024
Last action Jun 6, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jun 6, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
lower
2 primary · 2 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Shavonda Sumter
DDemocratic
P
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
DDemocratic
Co
Garnet Hall
DDemocratic
Co
Reginald Atkins
DDemocratic
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