Wis. judge to look at how union law was passed

Madison, Wis. — Wisconsin's divisive union law is on hold. Now a judge will return to one of the most pressing questions dogging the measure — whether Republican lawmakers violated the state's open meeting law during the frenzied run-up to passage.

Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi on Thursday declared that the collective bargaining law wasn't in effect yet. Gov. Scott Walker's administration reluctantly halted work to implement the plan.

Sumi is scheduled to hear testimony Friday on whether Republican legislators convened a special committee to amend the proposal without providing proper public notice. She could issue a permanent block on publishing the law.