AN ACT proposing an amendment to Section 25 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime.
Summary
HB121 proposes a constitutional amendment to Section 25 of the Kentucky Constitution to remove the existing exception that allows slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. Under the amendment, slavery and involuntary servitude would be prohibited in all circumstances, including for people who have been duly convicted of a crime. The bill itself does not directly change criminal sentencing statutes, but instead places the question before Kentucky voters for ratification or rejection.
The measure also sets out the procedural steps for placing the amendment on the ballot. It directs the Secretary of State to publish the full text of the ballot question and proposed amendment, and to certify the question to county clerks so it can appear on ballots at the next regular election for members of the General Assembly, following the timing rules specified in the bill and related election law provisions.
Impact
If approved by voters, HB121 would amend the Kentucky Constitution by deleting the current exception in Section 25 that permits involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment. This would change the state’s foundational constitutional language on slavery and involuntary servitude, but it would not by itself rewrite criminal statutes or prison labor laws; any related statutory changes would likely need separate legislation or follow-on legal interpretation. The bill also affects election administration by requiring publication and ballot certification procedures for the proposed amendment.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, floor debate, or vote history, so there is no documented legislative discussion to gauge support or opposition. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to be a straightforward constitutional reform measure aimed at aligning Kentucky’s constitution with a broader prohibition on slavery and involuntary servitude. Because no votes or remarks are provided, the overall sentiment in the record is best described as undocumented rather than clearly favorable or opposed.
Contention
The central point of contention, if any, would likely be the removal of the constitutional exception for involuntary servitude as punishment for crime. Supporters would view this as eliminating an outdated slavery-related exception from the state constitution, while opponents might raise concerns about the implications for prison labor, correctional operations, or the relationship between constitutional language and criminal punishment. However, the provided materials do not include recorded objections, sponsors’ explanations, or committee debate identifying specific dissenting arguments or stakeholders.