Reps. Jarrells, Sims Reintroduce Resolution Prohibiting Slavery in Ohio's Constitution

COLUMBUS — Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) and State Rep. Veronica Sims (D-Akron) this week reintroduced the End Slavery in Ohio Act, which would amend Ohio’s constitution to remove the statement “unless for the punishment of crime” from its language.

“This resolution is not about rewriting history—it is about letting Ohio voters decide a matter of principle. Are we a state that still tolerates even the implication of slavery, or are we a state that stands firmly against it? Simply put: by reaffirming what Ohio stands for, we all take part in promoting a better and safer Ohio for all of us,” said Rep. Jarrells.

In the most recent 2024 General Election, Nevada voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure removing slavery from their state constitution. They joined a growing movement of states that recognize this as a fundamental issue of human dignity and justice. Since 2022, voters in Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee, and Vermont have also approved similar measures, leaving Ohio among only 16 states that still retain such language.

“Slavery and involuntary servitude in any shape, form or fashion should be disembodied from the sacred pages of the founding document of our great state. It is time to remove any exception under any circumstances, slavery is a vile, despicable imposition upon another human being,” said Rep. Sims.

The legislation has been introduced in the Ohio House and is awaiting committee assignment; if passed by the Ohio House and Senate, the amendment would move to the statewide ballot.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Reps. Jarrells and Sims’ introduction of the legislation is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.