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; provide ballot language; submit to voters for ratification or rejection.

Introduced: February 27, 2026

Last action: February 27, 2026

To Committee On Committees (S)

Read the full text Kentucky Legislature LegiScan

AI-generated — always verify with primary sources

Plain-language summary

Beta

This bill proposes a change to Kentucky's constitution that would ban slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances. Currently, the state constitution allows these as punishment for a crime. If passed by the legislature, Kentucky voters would have the final say on whether to ratify this constitutional amendment. Who it may affect: Kentucky voters, who would vote to approve or reject the amendment, and incarcerated people currently subject to forced labor as a criminal penalty.

Open official bill text (PDF)·Report a problem with the summary