Wisconsin judge strikes down collective bargaining law

A judge has struck down Wisconsin's controversial new law that strips collective bargaining rights from government workers Thursday morning. In striking down the law, Judge Maryann Sumi said the manner in which Republican legislators passed the measure violated Wisconsin's open meetings law. The open meetings provision requires that lawmakers conduct sessions in full view of the public, and with adequate notice. Republicans did not provide 24 hours' notice for a series of meetings on the bill, the judge said. The judge serves on a traditionally liberal court in the county that includes Madison. The Wisconsin Supreme Court had already scheduled arguments for June 6 to determine whether it would hear the same case; now, it is almost certain to do so. If the Wisconsin Supreme Court agrees with Sumi, Republican lawmakers could still pass the law again. But they'd have to hurry: Recall elections are being scheduled, with the first will likely take place on July 12. Those elections could take place before the state Supreme Court makes a decision.