Chile: Conservatives will now control Constitution rewrite
May 9, 2023 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile seemed on the cusp of a progressive revolution last year when a committee dominated by leftists drafted a bold new constitution to replace the country’s dictatorship-era charter.
Chile will select constitutional council amid voter apathy
May 5, 2023 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile will vote Sunday to choose 50 delegates to a council that will draw up a new Constitution, after voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposed charter last year that was widely described as one of the world’s most progressive.
What are Australia’s plans for Indigenous Voice?
March 23, 2023 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australians expect to vote this year in a referendum that would enshrine in the nation’s constitution a mechanism for Indigenous people to advise Parliament on policies that effect their lives known as the Voice.
US constitutional convention backed by N. Carolina House
March 9, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A majority in the North Carolina House agreed on Wednesday to call for a meeting to propose changes to the U.S. Constitution, saying the time is now to consider alterations to the federal government's powers and finances, as well as term limits.
All bets are off: Georgia lawmakers nix legal sports betting
March 7, 2023 GMTGeorgia lawmakers are again spurning plans to legalize sports betting, rejecting an effort that had been pushed by Atlanta's sports teams and business leaders.
The state Senate on Monday rejected a constitutional amendment that would have allowed voters to decide whether to legalize sports gambling, while the state House never took up a bill that would have authorized sports gambling without such an amendment.
Santorum joins North Carolina House GOP to push convention
March 1, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Getting North Carolina legislators to formally call for a convention to consider creating amendments to the U.S. Constitution is the way forward to rein in an ever-expanding federal government, former U.S.
North Carolina lawmakers again seeking literacy test repeal
March 1, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina lawmakers and voters have rejected past efforts to strip an unenforceable literacy test requirement from the state constitution that was used for decades to disenfranchise Black voters.
S. Carolina House OKs referendum on state aid for private ed
February 28, 2023 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina House moved to allow the repeal of a constitutional prohibition on funding private schools with public dollars as a Republican-backed voucher plan advances in the General Assembly.
Key party withdraws from Nepal fragile coalition government
February 27, 2023 GMTKATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — A key party pulled out of Nepal's ruling coalition on Monday, forcing the prime minister to seek a vote of confidence in Parliament.
Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist), the biggest party in Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's coalition, was angered by his decision to back an opposition candidate in next week's presidential election.
Vote to rid Nev. constitution of slavery moves to ’24 ballot
February 24, 2023 GMTCARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada voters will decide whether to get rid of slavery and involuntary servitude as a form of criminal punishment from the state constitution on the 2024 ballot, part of a growing push among some states to scrub outdated, century-old language that has stayed on the books.
Virginia GOP panel kills proposed amendment on gay marriage
February 17, 2023 GMTRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Republicans in the Virginia House of Delegates on Friday rejected a proposal to let voters decide whether to remove outdated language prohibiting gay marriage from the state Constitution.
California and Nevada may ban forced prison labor, servitude
February 16, 2023 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Lawmakers in Nevada and California are advancing legislation to remove “involuntary servitude” from their states' constitutions, a move that follows four states' bans on forced labor that passed in ballot measures last fall.
Environmentalists sue to oust Nevada conservation director
February 14, 2023 GMTRENO, Nev. (AP) — Conservationists are suing to rescind Gov. Joe Lombardo's appointment of a natural resources director they characterize as unfriendly to the environment and ineligible for the job because the Legislature raised the pay for the position while he was a state senator.
Vote to block Georgia spaceport upheld by state’s high court
February 7, 2023 GMTSAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Georgia's highest court Tuesday upheld an election in which coastal residents voted overwhelmingly last year to block their county government from building a launchpad for blasting commercial rockets into space.
Ohio lawmakers miss cutoff to put 60% question on May ballot
February 1, 2023 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio state lawmakers missed their deadline Wednesday for getting a measure on May ballots that would make it harder to amend the state Constitution.
Missouri House OKs raising bar for constitutional amendments
February 1, 2023 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Republican-backed proposal to make it harder to amend Missouri's constitution got initial approval from the state House on Wednesday, moving a top GOP priority closer to becoming law.
North Carolina Senate leader backs literacy test repeal
January 31, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's most powerful senator expressed interest on Tuesday in deleting a voter literacy test provision from the state constitution — a relic from the Jim Crow era that while unenforceable has never been removed.
South Dakota lawmakers advance Medicaid work requirement
January 30, 2023 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Republican lawmakers on Monday advanced a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state to try and force people on Medicaid to work despite federal policy prohibiting such requirements.
Australia Day focuses on Black recognition in constitution
January 26, 2023 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australians marked the 235th anniversary of British colonization Thursday with a public holiday that evokes anger at Indigenous injustice, focusing national attention on a new government push to acknowledge Australia's first inhabitants in the constitution.
EXPLAINER: What is an Australian Black Voice to Parliament?
January 26, 2023 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australians expect to vote this year in a referendum that would enshrine in the nation’s constitution a mechanism for Indigenous people to advise Parliament on policies that effect their lives known as the Voice.
Idaho senator’s bill would make ballot initiatives tougher
January 25, 2023 GMTBOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho lawmaker has introduced legislation that would ask voters to change the state’s constitution to make it harder to get initiatives on the ballot.
Republican Sen. Doug Okuniewicz introduced the joint resolution Wednesday in the Senate State Affairs Committee.
New Bosnian government approved 3 months after elections
January 25, 2023 GMTSARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — Bosnia’s parliament on Wednesday approved a new government led by the small Balkan country’s first female prime minister, which will be tasked with approving sweeping reforms to further Bosnia’s European Union accession bid.
Missouri lawmakers act fast on citizen access to the ballot
January 24, 2023 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers moved quickly to pass more restrictions on amending the state constitution during one of the session's first hearings Tuesday.
Slovak vote on early election not binding due to low turnout
January 22, 2023 GMTBRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — A nationwide referendum in Slovakia on amending the country’s constitution to make possible an early election has failed to produce a legally binding result because the turnout was too low.
Slovakia holds referendum to enable snap election
January 21, 2023 GMTBRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Slovakia held a nationwide referendum Saturday on amending the country’s constitution to make possible an early election.
President Zuzana Caputova’s decided on the ballot last year after three opposition parties gathered over 380,000 signatures supporting the move.
Dutch Senate expands constitutional ban on discrimination
January 17, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch Senate on Tuesday approved an amendment to the country's constitution, expanding its first article to specifically ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or disability, a move hailed as historic by rights groups.
Chad’s government says it foiled ‘destabilization’ attempt
January 6, 2023 GMTDAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Chad’s government has foiled an attempt to destabilize the country and undermine the constitution, the government spokesman said in a statement.
Eleven people conspired in the plot, including soldiers and a human rights activist, said Aziz Mahamat Saleh on Thursday.
Missouri lawmakers back at work with eye on ballot measures
January 4, 2023 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers returned to work Wednesday for a session that Republican leaders have said will focus on issues including making it harder to amend the state Constitution.
Missouri GOP focused on raising bar to change Constitution
January 3, 2023 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Top priorities in the legislative session that begins Wednesday will be making it harder to amend Missouri’s Constitution, sports betting, and education issues ranging from attending out-of-district schools to how children are educated about racism.
Ward begins brief lieutenant governor term as Fetterman goes
January 3, 2023 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Kim Ward, Pennsylvania's ranking state senator, ascended to the job of state lieutenant governor on Tuesday after Democrat John Fetterman resigned minutes before he was sworn in to office as the state's newest U.S.
Peru Congress opens door to early elections amid unrest
December 21, 2022 GMTLIMA, Peru (AP) — Peru’s Congress tentatively endorsed a plan on Tuesday to hold early elections in an attempt to defuse a national political crisis marked by deadly unrest after lawmakers ousted President Pedro Castillo.
Kentucky Supreme Court strikes down school choice provisions
December 15, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — In a bitter defeat for school choice advocates, Kentucky's Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a Republican-backed initiative to award tax credits for donations supporting private school tuition — a program that opponents said would divert money from public schools.
Alaska lawmaker takes stand in case over Oath Keepers ties
December 15, 2022 GMTJUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — An Alaska lawmaker took the stand Wednesday in a case alleging his ties to the far-right group Oath Keepers disqualifies him from holding office.
Republican Rep. David Eastman said he believed he remained a member of the group, saying he had not heard anything from the Oath Keepers about his membership in some time.
Chile’s parties to retry replacing dictatorship constitution
December 13, 2022 GMTSANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile's political parties from the left to the right have agreed to try again to replace the constitution imposed by Gen. Augusto Pinochet's military dictatorship four decades ago.
Germany seeks quicker removal of extremists from military
December 13, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — The German defense ministry on Tuesday announced plans to make it easier to dismiss suspected extremists from the military without lengthy disciplinary proceedings.
The change has been in the works for months, but the announcement followed the uncovering last week of an alleged coup plot in which more than 20 people linked to the far-right Reich Citizens movement were detained.
Bangladesh opposition rallies to demand PM quit before polls
December 10, 2022 GMTDHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Tens of thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Bangladesh’s capital on Saturday to demand the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resign and install a caretaker before next general elections expected to be held in early 2024.
Zelenskyy quip, Trump conspiracy top 2022 notable quote list
December 8, 2022 GMTNEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A tart retort by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to a U.S. offer of help and a call by former U.S. President Donald Trump for the “termination” of parts of the Constitution top a Yale Law School librarian's list of the most notable quotations of 2022.
Justices skeptical of elections case that could alter voting
December 7, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed skeptical of making a broad ruling that would leave state legislatures virtually unchecked in making rules for congressional and presidential elections.
Trump’s Constitution remarks put McConnell, GOP on defense
December 7, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell delivered another rebuke of former President Donald Trump on Tuesday, saying that anyone who thinks the Constitution can be suspended would have a “very hard time” becoming president in the United States.
EXPLAINER: How Supreme Court case could alter US House seats
December 6, 2022 GMTPartisan gerrymandering is back before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case stemming from the latest attempt by North Carolina's Republican-led legislature to draw U.S. House districts favoring GOP candidates.
Supreme Court weighs ‘most important case’ on democracy
December 4, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is about to confront a new elections case, a Republican-led challenge asking the justices for a novel ruling that could significantly increase the power of state lawmakers over elections for Congress and the presidency.
Trump rebuked for call to suspend Constitution over election
December 4, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump faced rebuke Sunday from officials in both parties after calling for the “termination” of parts of the Constitution over his lie that the 2020 election was stolen.
Louisiana: What to expect on election night
December 2, 2022 GMTWith no statewide offices on the ballot, Louisiana’s general election on Dec. 10 features three constitutional amendments. One would restate that only U.S. citizens can vote in Louisiana, which is already part of the state constitution.
Tokyo court: Lack of law for same-sex union unconstitutional
November 30, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan's lack of law to protect the rights of same-sex couples to marry and become families violates the constitution, the Tokyo District Court ruled Wednesday in a closely watched case in a country still largely bound by traditional gender roles and family values.
Groups to defend citizens’ power to amend Ohio constitution
November 29, 2022 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Foes of a proposal that would make it harder for citizens to amend Ohio's constitution vowed Tuesday to unleash the same broad activist coalition against it that delivered a scorching rebuke to a Republican-backed anti-union law last decade.
Maine Supreme Court upholds lease for $1B power line project
November 29, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s highest court on Tuesday upheld the lease for a small section of state land for a $1 billion electric transmission corridor, a victory for developers who hope to complete the project.
German president presses N Macedonia on EU-required reforms
November 29, 2022 GMTSKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) — German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has urged North Macedonia to acknowledge the presence of an ethnic Bulgarian minority in the country, amid other actions required to speed up its European Union accession process.
European court rejects far-right teacher’s blacklist appeal
November 29, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — The European Court of Human Rights has rejected a German teacher's appeal against being blacklisted for her far-right activities, because they are considered incompatible with Germany's constitution.
Attorneys: ‘Botched’ execution caused pain and torture
November 28, 2022 GMTMONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama prison staff strapped an inmate to a death chamber gurney, despite a court order in place at the time blocking the execution from going forward, and later subjected him to numerous needle jabs, including in the neck and collarbone region while an official held his head, attorneys wrote in a court filing.
New Mexico court denies challenge of regulatory reforms
November 28, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court on Monday denied a challenge to a voter-approved measure overhauling a powerful commission that oversees public utilities and determines how much customers can be charged to heat and cool their homes.
France takes 1st step to add abortion right to constitution
November 24, 2022 GMTPARIS (AP) — Lawmakers in France's lower house of parliament on Thursday adopted a bill to enshrine abortion rights in the country’s constitution, the first step in a lengthy and uncertain legislative battle prompted by the rollback of abortion rights in the United States.
Ohio GOP aims to change voting laws during lameduck session
November 17, 2022 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's elections chief on Thursday championed a lameduck push to require a supermajority of voters in order to pass certain constitutional amendments, a move that came the same day further voter restrictions were added to a significant rewrite of Ohio's election laws.
Kenya’s president dismisses suggestions of unlimited terms
November 16, 2022 GMTNAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenyan President William Ruto urged lawmakers not to remove presidential terms limits from the country's constitution, dismissing comments by a legislator that there should be no such limits on a capable leader.
Illinois voters approve collective bargaining amendment
November 16, 2022 GMTSPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois voters have approved an amendment to their state constitution guaranteeing the right to bargain collectively.
Judge overturns Georgia’s ban on abortion around 6 weeks
November 15, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — A judge overturned Georgia’s ban on abortion starting around six weeks into a pregnancy, ruling Tuesday that it violated the U.S. Constitution and U.S. Supreme Court precedent when it was enacted three years ago and was therefore void.
Kansas refuses to increase Legislature’s power over agencies
November 15, 2022 GMTTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas voters have narrowly rejected a proposal to curb the power of the governor and other officials to regulate businesses and set environmental and public health rules, rebuking the state's Republican-controlled Legislature again after affirming abortion rights this summer.
Lawsuit: Mississippi abortion ban might not be valid yet
November 14, 2022 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A group of anti-abortion doctors in Mississippi, where state leaders led the charge to overturn Roe v. Wade, say the validity of the state's law banning most abortions remains uncertain and that further legal action is needed to clarify it and protect them from possible punishment by medical institutions.
Montana vote adds to win streak for abortion rights backers
November 10, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Abortion rights supporters secured another win Thursday as voters in Montana rejected a ballot measure that would have forced medical workers to intercede in the rare case of a baby born after an attempted abortion.
Nevada passes sweeping version of Equal Rights Amendment
November 10, 2022 GMTRENO, Nev. (AP) — Nevada voters have adopted what is widely considered the most comprehensive state version of the Equal Rights Amendment in the nation, a sweeping update that puts protections in the state Constitution for people who have historically been marginalized.
Slavery, involuntary servitude rejected by 4 states’ voters
November 9, 2022 GMTVoters in four states have approved ballot measures that will change their state constitutions to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime, while those in a fifth state rejected a flawed version of the question.