Amends State Constitution to prohibit slavery or involuntary servitude.
The amendment seeks to close a notable gap in the current state constitution, which does not clearly prohibit slavery or involuntary servitude. As it stands, the existing constitution lacks explicit language on this issue, a situation that has persisted since the 1776 and 1844 versions of the state constitution. By incorporating this prohibition, SCR12 aims to amend Article I of the New Jersey Constitution and reflects a growing societal consensus against all forms of coerced labor, including as a punishment for crimes.
SCR12 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced in New Jersey's 221st Legislature, proposing a significant amendment to the state constitution aimed at prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude in New Jersey. The bill is sponsored by Senators Brian P. Stack and Shirley K. Turner, alongside co-sponsorship from Senator Zwicker. The essence of the amendment explicitly states that no individual shall be held in a state of slavery or involuntary servitude, removing any legal ambiguities within the constitution regarding forced labor.
A critical aspect of the bill highlights its implications for prison labor. Currently, New Jersey mandates that inmates perform certain work duties while incarcerated, typically for minimal pay. SCR12 aims to address this by stating that compulsory labor cannot be enforced even if prisoners are compensated. This part of the proposed amendment may attract debate concerning the balance between rehabilitation opportunities for inmates and the ethical considerations surrounding forced labor. Advocates for the amendment argue that it advances human rights and dignity, while critics may raise concerns regarding the potential impact on prison operations and inmate rehabilitation programs.