With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
California voters to weigh in on ending forced labor in prison
The California Medical Facility in Vacaville is one of two state prisons where a nonprofit called PRIDE Industries hires outside workers for custodial services.
(
Rich Pedroncelli
/
AP Photo
)
Topline:
California voters will decide if the state constitution should be changed to ban slavery in any form, including forced labor for incarcerated people, which is currently carved out as an exception.
Why now: The state Senate approved ACA 8, the End Slavery in California Act, on Thursday in a 33 to 3 vote, with senators Brian Dahle, Roger Niello, and Kelly Seyarto voting against it.
The state Assembly agreed with the senate amendments in a 66 to 0 vote shortly after, sending ACA 8 to the secretary of state and the November ballot.
Support for LAist comes from
Why it matters: The California Constitution bans slavery and involuntary servitude — “except to punish crime.”
If approved by voters, the state constitution would be amended to ban slavery in any form, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation wouldn’t be able to discipline people in prison for refusing a work assignment.
The backstory: The End Slavery in California Act was originally introduced as ACA 3 in 2020, but it died in the Senate about two years later.
Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson, who represents Sacramento and Solano counties in Northern California and is chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, introduced ACA 8 last February, and it cleared a critical hurdle in the Senate Public Safety Committee earlier this month.
The response: Wilson said on the Assembly floor that it’s a step toward restoring some dignity and humanity for the often forgotten individuals behind bars.
“The legacy of slavery and forced labor runs deep in California's history,” she said. “From the exploitation of Indigenous people in Spanish missions, to Black slaves forced to mine for gold. Today, we have an opportunity to take a step in the direction towards ending that legacy.”
What's next: Voters will get to weigh in on Nov. 5.
Support for LAist comes from
Go deeper: Learn more about what’s at stake.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist