California Voters to Decide on Forced Labor Ban

California voters will decide in November on a proposal to remove an exemption for involuntary servitude from the state constitution, aiming to ban forced prison labor and prioritize rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals. The proposed constitutional amendment, part of a reparations package, passed in the Senate and Assembly with bipartisan support, now heading to voters. The move seeks to address a history of racism and discrimination against Black Californians, with proponents emphasizing the need to end the exploitation of incarcerated individuals and restore dignity. If approved, the amendment would make jobs for prisoners voluntary, ending mandatory work requirements and prohibiting discipline for refusing work assignments.