MADISON, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate has voted to pass three proposed amendments to the State Constitution that would change elections administration. The proposals would put strict photo ID requirements into the constitution, outlaw private grants for elections administration and prohibit noncitizens from voting in state and local elections.

Before entering the State’s Constitution, lawmakers must pass amendments in two consecutive sessions before sending them to voters for a final decision. 

The Wisconsin Senate has also voted to pass an amendment that would bar government agencies from ordering churches to shut down or limit the size of their gatherings during a state of emergency. The amendment comes in reaction to a stay-at-home order that Democratic Governor Tony Evers issued in 2020 to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The then-conservative-leaning State Supreme Court struck down Evers’ order, but Republicans who control the Legislature want to make sure similar orders cannot be issued in the future.