AN ACT proposing an amendment to Section 25 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime.

Propose to amend Section 25 of the Constitution of Kentucky to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances, including as punishment for a crime; provide that nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person convicted of a felony and sentenced to imprisonment from being employed as described in Section 253 of the Constitution of Kentucky or otherwise provided by law; provide ballot language; submit to voters for ratification or rejection.

Introduced: February 5, 2025

Last action: February 7, 2025

To Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)

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This bill proposes a change to Kentucky's constitution that would ban slavery and forced labor in all circumstances, closing a current exception that allows them as punishment for crime. It would still permit incarcerated people convicted of felonies to work, as already allowed under another part of the state constitution. If passed by the legislature, Kentucky voters would have the final say on whether to ratify this change. Who it may affect: people who are or have been incarcerated, and Kentucky voters who would decide whether to approve the constitutional amendment.

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