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 a significant exception that allows these practices as a punishment for those convicted of crimes. This resolution highlights the ongoing issue of forced labor within the prison system, where a substantial number of incarcerated individuals work for extremely low wages, often without any compensation at all, and the work they perform does not equip them with skills for future employment.

The resolution points out that a significant portion of the U.S. incarcerated population is held in private correctional facilities, which profit from the low-cost labor of inmates. It emphasizes that the current system fails to provide adequate wages or skill development for those incarcerated, ultimately hindering their reintegration into society post-release. By calling for a constitutional amendment, the resolution seeks to eliminate the legal loophole that permits such practices, advocating for the rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals.