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S.J.Res. 21Senate117th Congress (2021-2023)In Committee

A 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.

Sponsored by Jeff MerkleySen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Introduced June 17, 2021

AI-Generated Summary

Updated February 8, 2026 at 4:27 AM UTC

S.J.Res. 21 proposes a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would ban the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment. If ratified, it would apply nationwide and affect the federal and state criminal justice systems by eliminating any sentencing that involves forced labor or slavery.

Key Provisions

  • Adds an amendment stating that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude may be imposed as a punishment for a crime.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action
SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

June 17, 2021

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

June 17, 2021

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

June 17, 2021

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued June 17, 2021

IIA

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. J. RES. 21

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 17, 2021

Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Markey, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Padilla, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Booker, and Mr. Durbin) introduced the following joint resolution; which was read twice and 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:

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

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