PROHIBIT INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE AS PUNISHMENT                                       S.J.R. K:

                                                                                 SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

Senate Joint Resolution K (as introduced 9-12-19)

Sponsor:  Senator Betty Jean Alexander

Committee:  Judiciary and Public Safety

Date Completed:  6-24-20

CONTENT

The joint resolution would amend Article 1 (Declaration of Rights), Section 9 of the Michigan Constitution to prohibit the use of involuntary servitude as the punishment for a crime. 

Article 1, Section 9 specifies that "Neither slavery, nor involuntary servitude unless for the punishment of crime, shall ever be tolerated in this State". The resolution would delete the exception allowing involuntary servitude to be used as the punishment for a crime.

If approved by a two-thirds vote of each house of the Legislature, the joint resolution would have to be submitted to the electors of the State at the next general election. 

                                                                         Legislative Analyst:  Stephen Jackson

FISCAL IMPACT

The resolution would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

                                                                                      Fiscal Analyst:  Joe Carrasco

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.