SCR 16 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Amends State Constitution to prohibit slavery or involuntary servitude.

SCR 16 proposes adding a new constitutional provision to New Jersey's state constitution explicitly prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances, including as punishment for a crime. This would directly affect all residents, particularly incarcerated individuals who currently perform mandatory, low-paid labor in state prisons. The amendment would ban forcing anyone to work against their will for the state's benefit - even if compensated - but would not prohibit voluntary work programs for inmates. It requires voter approval via referendum after legislative passage, as the current constitution lacks any such prohibition.
Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action May 4, 2026