Dane County Judge Stays Ruling Overturning Act 10 Pending Appeal

A Dane County judge has temporarily stayed his decision overturning portions of Act 10, Wisconsin’s 2011 law limiting public employee collective bargaining, to prevent potential chaos during the appeals process.

While the judge found the law unconstitutional for treating different categories of employees unequally, he emphasized that enforcing his ruling before a final decision could create widespread confusion, especially if higher courts reverse his findings. Republican lawmakers, who argue that repealing Act 10 would financially destabilize state and local governments, are appealing the case, which could ultimately be decided by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Unions challenging the law did not oppose the stay, agreeing it avoids uncertainty for all parties involved.