MinnesotaVoters would decide whether to bar forced service as criminal punishment
Minnesota voters would decide in 2026 whether to remove the Constitution’s exception for slavery or involuntary service as criminal punishment.
What it does
If voters adopt the amendment, Minnesota’s Constitution would no longer state an exception for slavery or involuntary service as punishment for a crime.
Argument forVoters could remove the Constitution’s exception for slavery or involuntary service as punishment, strengthening protections for people convicted of crimes.
Argument againstRemoving the exception could limit the state’s ability to require involuntary service as punishment for a crime.
More detail
The proposed amendment would remove the Constitution’s exception for slavery or involuntary service as punishment for a crime. The proposed change concerns slavery or involuntary service imposed as punishment for a crime in Minnesota. The Constitution would change only if voters adopt the amendment. The proposed amendment must go to voters at the 2026 general election and would change the Constitution only if adopted.
Where do you stand?
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Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 14Author added JonesLatest
- Mar 2Author added Rehm
- Feb 17Author added Frazier
- 2025
- May 18Authors added Reyer, Moller, Virnig and Freiberg
- May 17Introduction and first reading, referred to Public Safety Finance and PolicyIntroduced
Criminal JusticeCivil Rights & Voting