The resolution urges Congress to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution that would explicitly prohibit the use of slavery and indentured servitude for individuals convicted of crimes. While the Thirteenth Amendment, adopted in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, it contains an exception that allows these practices as punishments for those convicted of crimes. This resolution highlights the significant number of incarcerated individuals in the U.S., many of whom work for extremely low wages, often in private correctional facilities that profit from their labor.

The resolution points out that the current system fails to provide incarcerated individuals with fair compensation or skills that would aid their reintegration into society. With the average wage for prison workers being just 93 cents per hour, and in some cases, no pay at all, the resolution argues that this practice perpetuates a form of modern slavery. Therefore, it calls for a constitutional amendment to eliminate the exception in the Thirteenth Amendment, ensuring that slavery and indentured servitude are not permissible under any circumstances, including as punishment for crime.