Lawmakers back call for US constitutional convention

BATON ROUGE - Louisiana is joining a call for the first U.S. constitutional convention since the nation's founding, under legislation backed by state lawmakers.



The House voted 62-36 Wednesday to support the call, giving it final passage.



Less than 10 states have signed onto the effort, which requires 34 states to consent to the call. Even more would be needed to ratify any constitutional amendments proposed.



Supporters are pushing the constitutional convention as an effort to curb federal debt levels, enact term limits on officials and limit federal government jurisdiction.



Opposing lawmakers said the call could trigger a runaway convention, which could repeal amendments abolishing slavery and supporting women's suffrage.



Bill backers said the state could ensure its convention delegates didn't support such changes.