Assembly Passed Bills For Constitution Changes

Sunday, February 25th, 2024 -- 11:36 AM

(Anya van Wagtendonk and Rich Kremer, Wisconsin Public Radio) -Wisconsin Republicans approved two proposed constitutional amendments that emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under one, churches and other houses of worship would not have to close their doors during future pandemics, while the second would give the Legislature more power over how to spend federal funds. The resolution on places of worship is a response to a state public health order in place during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when gatherings of more than 10 people were prohibited. It would change the religious freedom section of the Wisconsin Constitution to exempt houses of worship from state of emergency orders at the national, state or local levels, covering events such as severe weather, political unrest or public health emergencies. Rep. Ty Bodden, R-Hilbert, who authored the proposal, said it was a matter of separating church from state. “I’m sure like in the past, if there’s an emergency that arises, Mr. Speaker, places of worship will make the right decision for their body. They’ll know what’s best for their safety,” he said on the floor Thursday. “If (an) emergency arises, no one is being forced to go to church or their place of worship.” No Democrats spoke before the plan passed on party lines, 63-33, but at a committee hearing on the bill last summer, critics argued it could undermine public health. The measure already passed the state Senate.

As a proposed constitutional amendment, it would have to be approved again in the next legislative session and then be approved by voters to take effect. Unlike bills that pass the Legislature, it is not subject to a governor’s veto. The federal funding amendment would require a joint committee of the Legislature to approve how Wisconsin state government spends federal dollars, and comes after years of fighting among Republican state lawmakers and Gov. Tony Evers over allocation of emergency COVID-19 funds. Right now, that power rests solely with the governor in Wisconsin. It passed for a second time, 61-35, on Thursday, meaning it heads next to voters in November.

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