Yes on Proposition 6
End slavery
What is it?
Proposition 6 is an amendment to the California constitution that would prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude in any form.
This will likely come as a surprise to most voters, but the California constitution allows prisons to force prisoners to work without pay. That technically fits the definition of slavery. This amendment would end this practice.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation would be prohibited from disciplining any prisoner for turning down a work assignment. Instead, prisons would be allowed to award credits to prisoners who accept a work assignment.
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Fiscal impacts
Prop 6 will likely have a very small impact on state and local budgets. The Legislative Analyst's Office estimates that costs will not increase or decrease by more than $10 million per year, or "less than one-half of 1 percent" of the state's budget.
- See "Fiscal Effects" section of the Legislative Analyst's Office report (PDF)
Why is this on the ballot?
According to Article XVIII of the California Constitution, amendments to the California Constitution initiated by the State Legislature must first be approved by a supermajority of both houses and the amendment must then be approved by voters with a simple majority of 50% + 1.
- Authors: Lori Wilson
- Co-authors: A slate of 23 other Democrats
- Placed on ballot by: Vote of both houses of the Legislature
- View vote details on leginfo
Why vote Yes?
California is one of just 16 states that allows involuntary labor (AKA slavery) as a punishment for crime. It's time to end this outdated and inhumane practice.
Our prisons should be focused on rehabilitation, and a good rehabilitation program includes work. Prisoners ought to pay society back through honest work, and that means it should be voluntary, not forced. Prisons will be able to incentivize work assignments with credits, but cannot punishing those who refuse to work. It's not just more humane, it's also more effective at rehabilitation.
Vote YES on Prop 6 to support basic human rights, eliminate outdated and inhumane practices, and ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity, even within the prison system.