California moves to end involuntary servitude in prisons

In a recent government meeting, Assembly Member Wilson introduced Assembly Bill 628, a significant legislative proposal aimed at amending California's constitution to eliminate the exception that permits involuntary servitude. This bill is presented as a companion to ACA 8, which, if passed by the legislature and subsequently approved by voters, would prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances.

AB 628 mandates the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to establish a voluntary work program for incarcerated individuals. It also stipulates that both CDCR and local jurisdictions will determine the compensation for those participating in these programs within state prisons and local jails.

The proposed measure seeks to empower Californians to vote on amending Article 1, Section 6 of the state constitution, thereby formally ending the practice of involuntary servitude, which has historically allowed the state to utilize forced labor within its prison system. If ACA 8 gains voter approval, it would mark a significant shift in the state's approach to labor practices involving incarcerated individuals.