SF3536

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to propose an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution that aims to eliminate the use of slavery or involuntary servitude as a form of criminal punishment within the state.

Main Provisions

• Constitutional Amendment Proposal: The bill proposes to amend Article I, Section 2 of the Minnesota Constitution.
• Elimination of Exception Clause: Currently, the constitution allows for slavery or involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime, following a conviction. The proposed amendment seeks to remove this exception.
• Voter Submission: The amendment question will be presented to Minnesota voters during the 2026 general election. Voters will decide whether to approve the amendment that prohibits slavery or involuntary servitude in all forms as a punishment for a crime.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The main change introduced by this bill is the removal of the clause that permits slavery or involuntary servitude in the context of criminal punishment. If approved, this would align Minnesota's laws with modern standards of human rights by prohibiting such practices entirely.

Relevant Terms

• Minnesota Constitution
• Slavery
• Involuntary servitude
• Criminal punishment
• Constitutional amendment
• 2026 general election.