H.J.Res. 92House116th Congress (2019-2021)In Committee

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime.

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Updated April 14, 2026 at 1:20 PM UTC

This joint resolution proposes a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would ban the use of slavery or forced labor as a criminal penalty. If ratified by three‑quarters of the states, the amendment would become part of the Constitution and apply nationwide, affecting all federal and state criminal sentencing practices.

Key Provisions

Adds an amendment stating: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude may be imposed as a punishment for a crime.”

Legislative Activity

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HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

June 29, 2020

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

June 29, 2020

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

June 29, 2020

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued June 29, 2020

116th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. J. RES. 92

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 29, 2020

Mr. Richmond submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

JOINT RESOLUTION

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime.

That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification:

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Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude may be imposed as a punishment for a crime.