SJR95: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-4858/1

MPG:amn

2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE

2023 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 95

December 26, 2023 - Introduced by Senators Taylor, L. Johnson, Roys, Larson and Hesselbein, cosponsored by Representatives Myers, Drake, Madison, Considine, Conley, Moore Omokunde, Snodgrass, Sinicki, Clancy, Joers, Ohnstad, Shelton, C. Anderson, Emerson, Stubbs, J. Anderson, Jacobson, Palmeri, Neubauer and Riemer. Referred to Committee on Licensing, Constitution and Federalism.

SJR95,1,2 To amend section 2 of article I of the constitution; relating to: slavery or involuntary servitude in punishment of a crime (first consideration).

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

The Wisconsin Constitution prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, but the constitution includes an exception to that prohibition if the slavery or involuntary servitude is imposed as punishment for a crime for which an individual has been duly convicted. This constitutional amendment, proposed to the 2023 legislature on first consideration, eliminates that exception. Under this constitutional amendment, slavery and involuntary servitude are prohibited without exception.

A proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by two successive legislatures, and ratification by the people, before it becomes effective.

SJR95,1,3 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That:

SJR95,1 Section 1 . Section 2 of article I of the constitution is amended to read:

SJR95,1,7 [Article I] Section 2. There shall be neither slavery, nor involuntary servitude in this state, otherwise than for the punishment of crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.

SJR95,2,3 Be it further resolved, That this proposed amendment be referred to the legislature to be chosen at the next general election and that it be published for three months previous to the time of holding such election.

SJR95,2,4 (End)