AN ACT to make absolute the prohibition against slavery and involuntary servitude in the state.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Section 17 of Article I of the North Carolina Constitution reads as rewritten:

Sec. 17. Slavery and involuntary servitude.

Slavery is forever prohibited. Involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the parties have been adjudged guilty, is and involuntary servitude are forever prohibited.

SECTION 2.  The amendment set out in Section 1 of this act shall be submitted to the qualified voters of the State at the statewide general election to be held on November 3, 2026, which election shall be conducted in accordance with the laws governing elections at that time. The question to be used in the voting systems and ballots shall be:

[ ] FOR          [ ] AGAINST

Constitutional amendment providing that slavery and involuntary servitude are forever prohibited.

SECTION 3.  The State Board of Elections shall certify the results of the referendum conducted under Section 2 of this act. If a majority of votes cast on the question are in favor of the amendment set out in Section 1 of this act, the Secretary of State shall enroll the amendment among the permanent records of that office. If a majority of votes cast on the question are against the amendment set out in Section 1 of this act, the amendment shall have no effect.

SECTION 4.  If the certification from the State Board of Elections under Section 3 of this act reflects that a majority of votes cast on the question are in favor of the amendment set out in Section 1 of this act, the amendment set out in Section 1 of this act is effective upon certification.

SECTION 5.  Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective when it becomes law.