Slavery or involuntary servitude as criminal punishment for a crime prohibited, and constitutional amendment proposed.

Minnesota House File 3335 (HF3335) proposes an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to explicitly prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. This means that, if passed, the state constitution would no longer allow any form of forced labor as a criminal penalty.

Supporters of HF3335 argue that the bill is a necessary step to eliminate outdated and unjust practices from the state's legal framework. They believe it reinforces Minnesota's commitment to human rights and aligns the state constitution with modern values that reject all forms of slavery and involuntary servitude.

Critics of HF3335 express concerns about potential unintended consequences, such as challenges in managing prison labor programs that provide inmates with work opportunities and skill development. They worry that the amendment could lead to legal uncertainties regarding these programs and their role in the rehabilitation process.