MADISON, Wis. -- The most expansive veto power of any governor in the country would be curtailed under a proposal that unanimously cleared the state Senate on Tuesday.

The proposal would amend the Wisconsin constitution to ban the so-called "Frankenstein" veto. That allows the governor to cross out words and numbers and stitch together others to create new laws not approved by the Legislature.

Senators said Tuesday that the veto ability gives the governor too much power.

"It is very difficult for us as legislators to negotiate a budget in good faith with no assurance that what comes out of the governor's office looks anything like what was sent to them," said Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls.

"We feel its so important to restore integrity of the state Senate and Assembly that we don't allow something to be vetoed in without having the legislative intent -- that you create law simply by veto," said Tim Carpenter, D-Milwaukee.

The proposal that passed Tuesday would only take away the ability to create new sentences and would leave intact several other ways in which governors could make new laws or change spending levels.

Voters have to approve of the change. If the Assembly agrees, it will appear on the April 1 ballot.

A spokesman for Gov. Jim Doyle said he had no comment on Tuesday's vote, but he has voiced opposition to the measure in the past, saying the veto has been used to help reign in extreme spending.