IN SJR0015

Proposes amendment to Article 1 of the Indiana Constitution to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude within Indiana, except as punishment for convicted crimes.

Removes the existing clause "otherwise than for the punishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted" from Section 37 and replaces it with clarifying language in Section 18.

Adds new subsection (b) to Section 18 stating the Constitution does not prohibit correctional practices for reformation of individuals duly convicted of crimes if consistent with Article 1, Section 16 and the Eighth Amendment's cruel and unusual punishment prohibition.

Requires approval by two consecutive general assemblies and ratification by a majority of Indiana voters to become effective.

Introduced January 14, 2014, and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.