California and Nevada Voters to Decide on Banning Forced Prison Labor

The upcoming vote seeks to amend state constitutions to eliminate language permitting involuntary servitude as punishment for crimes.

Both states aim to remove exceptions for slavery and involuntary servitude, rooted in historical practices, from their constitutions.
Prisoners in California and Nevada are often paid less than $1 per hour for labor, including dangerous tasks like firefighting.
The measures are part of a broader movement, with states like Colorado, Alabama, and Tennessee having already made similar constitutional changes.
A Nevada Supreme Court case highlighted the issue of inadequate compensation for incarcerated workers, with claims that disability payments should match the state's minimum wage.
California's proposed law would establish a voluntary work program, contingent on the ban's approval, to focus more on rehabilitation through education and therapy.