The Oregon House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that would let voters decide whether healthcare should be a fundamental right on the November ballot, according to ABC News.
Here are four things to know about the amendment.
1. The proposed amendment reads: "It is the obligation of the state to ensure that every resident of Oregon has access to cost-effective, medically appropriate and affordable healthcare as a fundamental right."
2. The measure passed the House 35 votes to 25 and will now move on to the Senate. Both of the state's chambers are controlled by Democrats.
3. Though other states have considered universal healthcare in the past, amending the constitution would be a first.
"Some states have an extensive history of considering universal health coverage, going back 15 to 20 or more years. However, no such binding ballot question language has been passed and added to a state constitution," Richard Cauchi of the National Conference of State Legislatures told ABC News.
4. Opponents of the bill argued there is no funding outline for universal healthcare coverage included in the bill.