ACR 137 New Jersey General Assembly · 2024-2025 Regular Session

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
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Jun 6, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
lower
2 primary · 2 co-sponsors

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