The California Legislature has approved a proposal to remove an exemption for involuntary servitude from the state constitution. The proposal approved Thursday will now head to voters in November. California's state constitution bans involuntary servitude except as a punishment for crime.
FILE - Democratic Assembly members Lori Wilson, of Suisun City, left, talks with state Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, of Stockton, at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. California voters may soon decide whether to remove an exemption for involuntary servitude in the state constitution under a proposal the state Senate approved Thursday. SACRAMENTO, Calif.
“Incarcerated people’s relationship to work should not be one of exploitation and little-to-no agency,” said Democratic Assemblymember Lori Wilson, who authored the proposal. “Let us take this step to restore some dignity and humanity and prioritize rehabilitative services for the often-forgotten individuals behind bars.”
California has a long legacy of involuntary servitude that still lingers today with people who are incarcerated who are forced to work often facing the threat of punishment if they refuse, said state Sen. Steven Bradford, a Los Angeles-area Democrat. Several states, including Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee and Vermont, have in recent years approved amendments to their constitutions to remove slavery and involuntary servitude exceptions.
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