Pennsylvania voters approve constitutional amendments to curtail governor's emergency powers

Pennsylvania voters have approved proposed amendments to the Keystone State constitution that will curtail the governor's emergency powers.

One of the amendments will allow for the state legislature to nix or extend a disaster emergency declaration via a concurrent resolution passed by a simple majority without having to submit the move to the governor for approval or a veto.

The other amendment provides that a disaster emergency declaration will expire after 21 days unless the state legislature acts to extend it. It also blocks the governor from declaring a new but similar emergency unless the legislature approves a concurrent resolution. 

The Associated Press reported that the amendments to the state constitution will become effective after Pennsylvania certifies the election outcome, potentially in early June.