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PA HR58
Resolution
Status
2/5/2025
Primary Sponsor
Carol Kazeem
Click for details
AI Summary
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Urges Congress to pass a constitutional amendment eliminating the exception clause in the 13th Amendment that currently allows slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime
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The 13th Amendment (ratified 1865) abolished slavery except for convicted criminals, a loophole historically exploited through "Black Codes" and convict leasing practices
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Eight states (Colorado, Utah, Nebraska, Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, and Nevada) have already passed ballot measures removing similar provisions from their state constitutions
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References a June 14, 2023 proposed federal amendment introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Nikema Williams
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Directs transmission of the resolution to the President, presiding officers of Congress, and all Pennsylvania members of Congress
Legislative Description
Urging the Congress of the United States to pass a constitutional amendment that provides that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude may be imposed as a punishment for a crime.
Last Action
Reported as committed
11/17/2025