The 136th General Assembly of Ohio has introduced a joint resolution, H. J. R. No. 2025-2026, which proposes an amendment to Section 6 of Article I of the Ohio Constitution. This amendment aims to explicitly prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude in the state, even as a punishment for crime. The resolution outlines that, upon conviction, courts or probation and parole agencies may instead mandate alternatives to incarceration, such as education, counseling, treatment, or community service, to ensure accountability and rehabilitation.

If approved by a majority of voters in the upcoming general election on November 4, 2025, the proposed amendment will take effect immediately, thereby repealing the existing language in Section 6 that allows for involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime. This change reflects a significant shift in Ohio's approach to criminal justice and aims to promote more humane and rehabilitative measures for those convicted of crimes.