This joint resolution would add an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to prohibit the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime. The measure was introduced in the House of Representatives on 2026-09-15 by Representative Nikema Williams with many co-sponsors. It was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and is listed as in progress.
If the amendment is approved by Congress and then ratified by the states, the Constitution would say that slavery and involuntary servitude cannot be used as a punishment for a crime. The bill text and metadata do not explain how courts, prisons, or lawmakers would apply or enforce that change.
No publicly available information.
The sponsors introduced this amendment to place a constitutional ban on using slavery and involuntary servitude as criminal punishment. The lead sponsor is Rep. Nikema Williams, joined by many other House members as co-sponsors.
No publicly available information.