HCR 18-1002

HCR 18-1002 is a bill that aims to remove an exception from Colorado’s constitution which allows for forced labor as punishment for crimes. Currently, the state's constitution permits slavery and involuntary servitude only if someone has been convicted of a crime. This bill seeks to change that by eliminating this exception entirely, ensuring that no one can be forced into labor under any circumstances. If passed, it would have affected anyone previously subject to forced labor as part of their punishment for crimes. The bill was signed, meaning the proposed amendment will appear on the ballot in November 2018 for voters to decide upon.

Official Summary

The Colorado constitution currently prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime for which an individual has been duly convicted. If approved at the November 6, 2018, general election by a statewide majority vote, the concurrent resolution prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances by repealing the existing exception to the prohibition. The resolution also clarifies in a nonconstitutional legislative declaration that the purpose of the proposed constitutional amendment is not to disallow opportunities for persons convicted of crimes to work but instead to merely prohibit compulsory labor from such individuals. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this concurrent resolution as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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