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
SB303 is a proposed constitutional amendment to Section 25 of the Kentucky Constitution. The measure would remove the existing exception that allows slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime after due conviction, thereby prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances. The bill places the amendment question before voters and specifies the ballot language that would appear on the referendum.
In addition to changing the constitutional text, the bill directs the Secretary of State to publish the amendment and election notice in a newspaper of general circulation and to certify the question to county clerks for inclusion on ballots. It also sets the timing and procedural requirements for publication and ballot certification tied to Kentucky’s regular election cycle. Because it is a proposed constitutional amendment, it would not change the law unless approved by voters.
Impact
If adopted by voters, SB303 would amend Section 25 of the Kentucky Constitution to eliminate the current carveout for involuntary servitude as criminal punishment, making the constitutional ban on slavery and involuntary servitude absolute. The bill also affects election administration statutes and procedures by requiring the Secretary of State and county clerks to publish and place the amendment question on the ballot according to specified deadlines. Its direct legal effect is on constitutional language, while its practical effect would be on the state’s criminal justice and constitutional framework regarding forced labor in correctional settings.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, floor debate, or vote history, so there is no documented partisan or public sentiment in the provided materials. Based on the bill’s subject matter, it appears to be a civil-rights and constitutional reform measure, but the context does not show whether it received support, opposition, or amendments. The only recorded action is referral to the Senate Committee on Committees.
Contention
The central point of contention is the removal of the constitutional exception for slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime. Supporters would likely view the amendment as a categorical ban on slavery-like practices, while opponents may be concerned about the implications for prison labor, correctional work programs, and existing criminal-justice operations. Because no discussion transcript is provided, the specific arguments of legislators or stakeholders are not documented in the record supplied here.