MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Latest on the Wisconsin Assembly approving a request for a convention to amend the U.S. Constitution (all times local):
6:20 p.m.
The state Assembly has passed a bill that would keep a tight rein on delegates Wisconsin would send to a convention to add a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The Assembly passed the bill 58-37 Wednesday. It now goes to the Senate.
The proposal calls for a nine-member delegation. The Assembly speaker to appoint three Assembly members as delegates, the Senate president to appoint three senators, and each house’s minority leader to appoint one of their members. The governor also would appoint a single legislator from either house.
The Republican bill prohibits a delegate from working on anything besides a balanced budget amendment. The delegation could dismiss anyone who tries.
The measure is designed to blunt criticism that a convention could lead to dramatic constitutional revisions. Democrats warned the delegation would never expel one of its own.
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6:05 p.m.
The state Assembly has passed a resolution demanding a convention of states to add a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The Republican-controlled chamber passed the resolution 54-41 on Wednesday. It now goes to the state Senate. Wisconsin would become the 28th of 34 states needed to force a convention if the resolution gets through that chamber. Gov. Scott Walker plays no role in approving resolutions but supports the request.
Critics fear a convention could lead to extreme, wide-ranging constitutional revisions. The Assembly approved a separate resolution 61-37 Wednesday calling on the state’s convention delegation to follow the rules the Assembly of State Legislatures created last year for a potential convention. The chamber also was expected to approve a bill later Wednesday that would allow delegates to send colleagues who work on anything other than a balanced budget amendment home.
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6:25 a.m.
The Wisconsin Assembly is poised to request a convention to change the U.S. Constitution.
The chamber is set to vote Wednesday on a resolution demanding a convention of states to add a balanced budget requirement to the document.
Wisconsin would be the 28th of 34 states needed to force a convention if the resolution passes both the Assembly and Senate.
Critics worry a convention could lead to wide-ranging constitutional revisions. The Assembly is set to pass a separate measure Wednesday that would require the state’s convention delegation to abide by rules the Assembly of State Legislatures drew up last year for a potential convention.
The chamber also is expected to pass a bill that would allow delegates to dismiss colleagues who work for anything other than a balanced budget amendment.
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