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HF 3335

Slavery or involuntary servitude as criminal punishment for a crime prohibited, and constitutional amendment proposed.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sandra Feist and 15 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill proposes state constitutional amendment explicitly prohibiting slavery or involuntary servitude as criminal punishment, closing a loophole in existing law.

Author added Jones
#constitutionalamendments #crimesandcriminals #humanrightsandhumanrightsdepartment
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Bill Summary · HF 3335

Legislative bill overview

HF 3335 proposes to amend the Minnesota Constitution to explicitly prohibit slavery or involuntary servitude as punishment for crime. Currently, the U.S. Constitution's 13th Amendment contains an exception allowing involuntary servitude as criminal punishment, and this bill seeks to close that loophole at the state level by removing any constitutional allowance for such punishment in Minnesota.

Why is this important

This addresses a rarely-discussed constitutional gap that technically permits forced labor as part of criminal sentences. While modern Minnesota law already prohibits this practice in statute, a constitutional amendment would provide the highest level of legal protection and reflect evolving standards on human dignity and criminal justice. The amendment would also align Minnesota with recent similar efforts in other states like California and Vermont that have closed this constitutional exception.

Potential points of contention

  • Practical vs. symbolic impact: Critics may argue the bill is largely symbolic since Minnesota law already prohibits involuntary servitude, questioning whether a constitutional amendment is necessary or the best use of legislative resources
  • Definition and scope: Questions may arise about how "involuntary servitude" is defined—whether it affects work-release programs, prison labor programs where incarcerated people receive compensation, or other criminal justice practices
  • Amendment process burden: Constitutional amendments require significant procedural steps and voter approval, raising debate about whether statutory protections are sufficient without constitutional-level change

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

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