Proposition 6: Ending Slavery in California's Carceral System
VOTE YES on PROPOSITION 6. Proposition 6 eliminates all forms of slavery and involuntary servitude within California, ensuring no person is subjected to such conditions regardless of their confinement circumstances.
PROPOSITION 6 RESTORES HUMAN DIGNITY BY ENDING FORCED LABOR, WHICH CONSTITUTES SLAVERY AND VIOLATES HUMAN RIGHTS. Incarcerated people should have dignity and the agency to pursue a rehabilitative path because forced labor serves no rehabilitative purpose. This amendment focuses on the moral imperative of allowing voluntary work assignments, emphasizing the importance of human rights.
PROPOSITION 6 ENHANCES PUBLIC SAFETY BY PRIORITIZING REHABILITATION. Forced labor in prisons is cruel and unfair, often leading to harsh punishments like violence, solitary confinement, and denial of services. These practices undermine rehabilitation and increase the likelihood of reoffending. In contrast, Proposition 6 expands voluntary prison work programs and ensures dignity, choice, and rehabilitation. Incarcerated individuals will voluntarily take part in education, job training, and other programs that help prevent crimes against Californians.
ENDING SLAVERY IS A BIPARTISAN PRIORITY WITH WIDESPREAD SUPPORT. ACA 8, now known as Proposition 6, passed unanimously in the Assembly (68-0) and with overwhelming approval in the Senate (33-3). California is one of 16 states that still allow this practice, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
PROPOSITION 6 SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT BY CLOSING THE LOOPHOLE IN CALIFORNIA'S VERSION OF THE 13TH AMENDMENT. While it does not change federal law, it upholds justice by preventing forced labor in California. Voluntary work programs reduce recidivism by offering skill development and rehabilitation, aiding formerly incarcerated individuals in reintegrating into society. Productive work, rooted in dignity, allows reintegration by letting formerly incarcerated people use their work experiences as proof of their efforts.
Many states have amended their constitutions to close the loopholes that allow forced labor and involuntary servitude under certain conditions. This includes significant voter support: over 66% in Colorado (2018), over 80% in Utah, and over 68% in Nebraska (2020). In 2022, similar measures saw over 76% approval in Alabama, over 55% in Oregon, over 79% in Tennessee, and over 88% in Vermont. Nevada is also referring this issue to voters for the 2024 election. Additionally, federal legislators are moving this session to close the loophole in the 13th Amendment with Senate Joint Resolution 33, introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley and Cory Booker, and House Joint Resolution 72 by Representative Nikema Williams.
Lori Wilson, Assemblymember
California Legislature
Dolores Huerta, Executive Director
Dolores Huerta Foundation
Stephen Downing, Deputy Chief (Ret.)
Law Enforcement Action Partnership
NO ARGUMENT AGAINST PROPOSITION 6 WAS SUBMITTED.
Arguments printed on this page are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency.