WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 319

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

2025 Regular Session

Kentucky proposes removing constitutional language permitting slavery and forced labor as criminal punishment, modernizing its founding document to eliminate an obsolete but legally lingering exception.

to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)
#constitution #ky. #countyclerks #crimesandpunishments #localmandate #secretaryofstate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 319

Legislative bill overview

HB 319 proposes a constitutional amendment to Kentucky's Section 25, which currently permits slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime. The bill seeks to remove this exception, aligning Kentucky's constitution with the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery nationwide except as criminal punishment.

Why is this important

Kentucky's constitution is one of a handful of state constitutions still containing language that explicitly allows forced labor as criminal punishment. Removing this provision modernizes the state's founding document and eliminates a vestigial clause that many consider morally and legally obsolete, even though federal law already prohibits such practices in most circumstances.

Potential points of contention

  • Symbolic vs. practical impact: Critics may argue the amendment is largely symbolic since federal law already prohibits slavery; supporters contend that state constitutional language should reflect modern values
  • Criminal justice implications: Questions about whether removal could affect sentencing guidelines, prison labor programs, or rehabilitation frameworks that currently operate under the existing constitutional language
  • Amendment process requirements: Kentucky constitutional amendments typically require legislative supermajority passage and voter approval, which could face procedural or political obstacles

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.