MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit any law requiring people to participate in a state-sponsored health plan has passed the Assembly.

It flies directly in the face of a universal health plan the Senate passed last year.

The proposal would have to pass the Senate and Assembly two years in a row and win approval by voters before being added to the constitution.

Democrats assailed the proposal as irresponsible with no chance of becoming law.

Republicans have been outspoken in their opposition to the so-called Healthy Wisconsin universal health care plan that Senate Democrats have backed.