Watts Leads Black Legislative Caucus to Remove Slavery Langauge

The United States never fully abolished slavery. 

The 13th Amendment, which was ratified in 1865 to end the centuries-long practice within the country, carved out an exemption to when used as a punishment for a crime. 

Las Vegas Democratic Assemblyman Howard Watts said 24 states, including Nevada, enshrined similar language in their state constitutions. 

“It has remained in the foundation document of our state government for more than 155 years,” he said.

Assembly Joint Resolution 10, which was heard Tuesday, would remove slavery and involuntary servitude as a criminal punishment from the state’s constitution.  

Read more in the Nevada Current and Las Vegas Sun.