NJ SR91

New Jersey Senate Resolution urges Congress to propose a constitutional amendment removing the "punishment for crime" exception from the Thirteenth Amendment, which currently allows slavery and involuntary servitude for convicted individuals

The resolution notes that approximately 2.3 million people are incarcerated in the United States, representing 25% of the world's incarcerated population

Prison workers earn an average of 93 cents per hour, are not entitled to minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and in some states like South Carolina and Texas receive no pay for required labor

The private correctional facility industry generates $4.8 billion annually, with nearly 20% of federal prisoners and 7% of state prisoners held in private facilities that rely on low-cost prison labor for profit

Copies of the resolution would be transmitted to Congressional leadership and all New Jersey members of Congress