NJ SCR16

Adds new paragraph 24 to Article I of the New Jersey Constitution prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude, including as a penalty or punishment for a crime

Eliminates mandatory prison labor by prohibiting the State from compelling inmates to work against their will, even if compensated (inmates currently receive minimal pay for required work)

Preserves voluntary work opportunities for incarcerated individuals, recognizing that work can assist rehabilitation and reintegration into society

Requires voter approval at a general election occurring more than three months after legislative agreement, with publication in at least one newspaper per county at least three months before the election

Addresses a gap in New Jersey's Constitution, which currently contains no language prohibiting slavery or involuntary servitude (unlike the U.S. Constitution's 13th Amendment exception for criminal punishment)