Wisconsin Republicans Working on Constitutional Amendments

Monday, January 9th, 2023 -- 10:01 AM

(AP) Republican lawmakers are moving quickly in the opening days of the legislative session to work around Wisconsin’s Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who vetoed a record number of bills from the GOP-controlled Legislature in his first term.

Four constitutional amendments primarily supported by Republicans could be put before voters as soon as April. Republican backers of the measures are pushing for a final vote on at least two proposed amendments in the Legislature in the opening weeks of the session so they could make it onto the April 4 ballot, which will also have a pivotal state Supreme Court race that will determine majority control of the panel.

“Obviously, the April elections are right around the corner, so that’s why we need to move some of these earlier in the legislative cycle,” Republican Assembly Majority Leader Rep. Tyler August said.

One proposed amendment would weaken the governor's power by requiring the Legislature to sign off on spending any federal money. Currently, the governor has discretion to spend it without legislative approval. Another measure would make it harder for criminal defendants to get out of jail on bail.

State law requires the Legislature to approve a proposed constitutional amendment in two consecutive sessions before putting it on the ballot for voters to ratify. The governor cannot veto a constitutional amendment.

The Legislature passed all four of the constitutional amendments last session. Two of them passed with no votes from Democrats.

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