Texas House Bill HJR51

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude.

Impact

If adopted, this amendment would amend Article I of the Texas Constitution by adding a new section that prohibits these practices outright. It demonstrates a commitment to upholding human rights and would align Texas law with modern human rights standards, serving as a clear declaration that such practices have no place in contemporary society. By putting this amendment to a public vote, the legislature aims to engage the citizens of Texas in recognizing and upholding these fundamental rights.

Summary

HJR51 is a joint resolution aimed at proposing a constitutional amendment to the Texas Constitution that explicitly prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude. The language of the amendment seeks to ensure that no individual can be enslaved or subjected to involuntary servitude under any circumstances, including as a punishment for a crime. This initiative reflects a significant step towards reinforcing civil rights and addressing historical injustices related to slavery within the state.

Contention

While this resolution presents a progressive stance against slavery and involuntary servitude, there may be discussions around the implications of defining punishment for crimes within the context of this amendment. Some lawmakers might express concerns over how the amendment could interact with existing penal practices or how terminology may affect judicial interpretations. The resolution also invites discourse on the historical context and necessity for such an amendment, given that involuntary servitude may have been previously unaddressed in constitutional law.