OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers are set for the first time to pass a bill that would block the public from voting on a ballot measure initiated by citizens of the state, setting up what could be a long battle over whether to fund private school tuition with public dollars.

On Thursday, lawmakers will take a final vote on a bill that would repeal a law passed last year to divert millions in income tax receipts to pay for private school scholarships. The bill would replace it with a measure that would directly fund private school tuition from state coffers. If it passes, it will effectively block voters from repealing the private school funding law that is set to appear on the November ballot following a successful petition drive.

Retired Lincoln high school teacher Rita Bennett described lawmakers’ plan to circumvent a vote of the people with one word.