MADISON, Wis. — State Rep. Amanda Nedweski on Wednesday took the lead in unveiling a constitutional amendment designed to stop future governors from repeating what she called Gov. Tony Evers’ notorious “400-year” partial veto — a maneuver that turned a two-year school funding provision into a mandate lasting until the year 2425.

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Nedweski, who authored and introduced the amendment, said Wisconsin cannot afford to leave open a constitutional loophole that allows a governor to strike individual letters and numbers to create tax increases or spending authorizations the Legislature never approved. Her proposal would prohibit the partial veto from increasing any tax or fee, closing the door on the kind of creative editing Evers used.

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Evers’ 2023 veto sparked national headlines after he manipulated specific characters in the budget to extend a temporary school revenue limit for four centuries. Lawmakers across the state denounced the maneuver as an abuse of power, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court ultimately upheld it on a 4-3 ruling.

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“This is about restoring the balance of power and protecting taxpayers from unilateral, long-term mandates no Legislature ever voted for,” she said in announcing the amendment.

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Because constitutional amendments must be approved in two consecutive legislative sessions, Nedweski’s proposal is now in its second consideration. Once passed again, it will appear on the November 2026 statewide ballot for voter approval.

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Supporters note that Wisconsin is the only state where a governor can delete individual characters to rewrite laws. They argue Nedweski’s plan brings necessary guardrails to a veto power that has been stretched far beyond its intended purpose.

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Opponents of past attempts to limit the partial veto have argued that governors need flexibility to correct drafting errors and restrain legislative spending. But Nedweski and her co-sponsors say the 2023 incident demonstrated how easily the tool can be weaponized to create multi-century tax implications.

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Nedweski emphasized that taxation and long-term funding decisions must be made by elected representatives — not invented through an artistic veto.

Legislative leaders signaled Wednesday they expect the measure to advance quickly so voters can decide whether to rein in the partial veto in 2026.

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