Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit the use of slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime.
Latest action (15 Sep 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.J.Res. 216 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude from being used as punishment for a crime. Based on its title, the measure appears aimed at closing what is often called the "punishment clause" exception in the Thirteenth Amendment, which currently allows involuntary labor as a criminal sentence. However, the full legislative text has not yet been published, so the specific language, scope, and implementation details are not available, and no further conclusions about its exact provisions should be drawn at this time.
Because it is a proposed constitutional amendment, it would, if ultimately adopted, apply nationwide and could affect how incarcerated individuals may be required to work as part of a criminal sentence, as well as any state or federal laws and correctional practices tied to that constitutional provision. The specific individuals, institutions, or programs affected cannot be detailed further without the bill's text.
The resolution was introduced on September 15, 2026, by Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA) and referred for initial consideration; its status is "Introduced." As a proposed constitutional amendment, it would need to pass both the House and Senate by a two-thirds majority in each chamber, and then be ratified by three-fourths of the states, before taking effect. No committee action or further movement has yet occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This resolution is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on September 15, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.J.Res. 216 do?
- H.J.Res. 216 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude from being used as punishment for a crime. Based on its title, the measure appears aimed at closing what is often called the "punishment clause" exception in the Thirteenth Amendment, which currently allows involuntary labor as a criminal sentence. However, the full legislative text has not yet been published, so the specific language, scope, and implementation details are not available, and no further conclusions about its exact provisions should be drawn at this time. Because it is a proposed constitutional amendment, it would, if ultimately adopted, apply nationwide and could affect how incarcerated individuals may be required to work as part of a criminal sentence, as well as any state or federal laws and correctional practices tied to that constitutional provision. The specific individuals, institutions, or programs affected cannot be detailed further without the bill's text. The resolution was introduced on September 15, 2026, by Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA) and referred for initial consideration; its status is "Introduced." As a proposed constitutional amendment, it would need to pass both the House and Senate by a two-thirds majority in each chamber, and then be ratified by three-fourths of the states, before taking effect. No committee action or further movement has yet occurred.
- Has H.J.Res. 216 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 Sep 2026, H.J.Res. 216 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.J.Res. 216?
- H.J.Res. 216 was sponsored by Rep. Nikema Williams [D-GA5] (Democrat-GA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.J.Res. 216?
- Introduced (15 Sep 2026).
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