Bill · H.J.Res. 216· House(119-HJRES-216)

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime.

Age: 48 years

Georgia

Introduced: 9/15/2026
Last activity: 9/15/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsored by: Nikema Williams
Cosponsors: - 54 - 0

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the United States Constitution to prohibit the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime. The text points out that the Thirteenth Amendment previously included an exception allowing this practice for criminal punishment. Congress found that this continued existence is against democratic values and can hurt the country's moral credibility. The resolution clarifies that it does not intend to interfere with correctional work programs where people consent to work, nor does it affect current employment protections or court discretion to offer community service. The proposed amendment states simply that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude may be imposed as a punishment for a crime.

Yes· 3 of 4

Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+7
The resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to ban slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime, directly addressing historical racial disparities stemming from the Thirteenth Amendment.
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?+6
By prohibiting the use of involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment, the bill promotes reform in how incarcerated individuals are treated within the criminal justice system.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+6
The resolution acknowledges and seeks to rectify the historical impact of the Thirteenth Amendment's exception clause, which disproportionately affected Black Americans.