link: Judge orders temporary halt to collective bargaining law; state will appeal

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A Dane County judge Friday ordered a temporary halt to Gov. Scott Walker's controversial measure curbing collective bargaining for public employees, saying a legislative committee likely violated the state Open Meetings Law when it rushed passage of the bill earlier this month.

Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi ruled that a joint Assembly-Senate conference committee did not provide the public with adequate notice before approving the bill March 9, emphasizing the importance of open government in remarks during her ruling.

"This was something that would and did catch the public unaware," Sumi said, "what ended up being a closed session of a body in propelling legislation forward."

Sumi's decision was made soon after hearing arguments from Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne and Assistant Attorney General Maria Lazar. There was no witness testimony. Sumi also denied a motion by Lazar to stay the restraining order pending an appeal.

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