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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
06/01/2024 10:01 PM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?SPick=20210&chamber=H&cosponId=37792
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House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: October 6, 2022 02:00 PM
From: Representative Stephen Kinsey
To: All House members
Subject: Abolishing Slavery as a Punishment for a Crime
 
While the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery in part, it left behind a loophole that still allows for slavery as a punishment for a crime. This loophole has been exploited since its inception, facilitating the over-incarceration of Black people, and forcing incarcerated persons to work for little or no pay.
 
I plan to introduce a joint resolution that would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to finally close this loophole in our state. Similar to ballot measures approved by the voters in Colorado, Nebraska, and Utah, this constitutional amendment would give Pennsylvanians the opportunity to prohibit slavery in all forms on the ballot.
 
Slavery and involuntary servitude have no place in Pennsylvania, and it is time for our Constitution to reflect that. I hope that you will join me in co-sponsoring this legislation, finally prohibiting slavery as a punishment for a crime.
 


Introduced as HB2904