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HB 112

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by George Brown and 10 co-sponsors

Kentucky constitutional amendment eliminating language permitting slavery and involuntary servitude as criminal punishment, aligning state law with modern standards.

returned to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)
#constitution #ky. #countyclerks #crimesandpunishments #localmandate #secretaryofstate
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Bill Summary · HB 112

Legislative bill overview

HB 112 proposes amending Section 25 of the Kentucky Constitution to remove language that permits slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime. Currently, Kentucky's constitution contains an exception clause—common in many state constitutions—that allows forced labor as a criminal penalty. This amendment would eliminate that exception entirely.

Why is this important

Kentucky's constitution, like those of several other states, still contains 13th Amendment-style language permitting involuntary servitude for convicted prisoners. While the 13th Amendment abolished slavery nationally except as punishment, removing this carve-out from state constitutions is a symbolic and practical step toward ending any legal framework that permits forced labor. This aligns Kentucky with broader efforts across multiple states to clean up outdated constitutional language.

Potential points of contention

  • Prison labor policy implications: Removing constitutional language permitting involuntary servitude could create legal questions about the permissibility of current prison labor programs and inmate work requirements, potentially requiring legislative clarification
  • Scope of change: Opponents may argue the amendment is largely symbolic since federal law already restricts most practices, while supporters view symbolic constitutional changes as meaningful acknowledgments of human dignity
  • Implementation details: The amendment alone doesn't specify what happens to existing prison labor systems or compensation policies—those would require separate legislative action

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

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