House Bill No. 211 proposes a constitutional amendment to Article I, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution, which aims to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude without exceptions. The amendment stipulates that slavery and involuntary servitude are "forever prohibited," removing the previous exception that allowed involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. However, it clarifies that this prohibition does not prevent inmates who have been duly convicted of a crime from being required to work.

The proposed amendment will be submitted to the voters of Louisiana during the statewide election scheduled for October 14, 2023. The ballot will ask electors whether they support the amendment, which seeks to ensure that involuntary servitude is not permitted while still allowing for work requirements for convicted inmates. The bill reflects a significant shift in the legal framework regarding involuntary servitude in the state.