MADISON (WKOW) — A Dane County Judge has issued a temporary injunction blocking Republican lawmakers lame-duck laws to limit the powers of the governor and attorney general.
The ruling now gives certain executive powers back to Governor Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul.
Liberal-leaning groups filed the suit in January arguing lawmakers passed lame-duck laws “illegally” during the extraordinary session. Judge Richard Niess found the state constitution doesn’t allow these types of sessions.
Republican legislative leaders are planning to appeal Niess’ ruling. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said this ruling will create confusion over bills and resolutions that have passed in previous extraordinary sessions.
“For decades the Legislature has used extraordinary sessions that have been widely supported by members of both parties,” said Republicans in a statement. “Today’s ruling only creates chaos and will surely raise questions about items passed during previous extraordinary sessions, including stronger laws against child sexual predators and drunk drivers.”
Governor Evers called it a victory.
“The judge made it very clear the constitution counts for something at the end of the day even if it’s appealed the injunction will be in place,” said Evers.
Within a few hours of the ruling, Evers issued a request for Kaul to withdraw from a multi-state lawsuit aiming to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Shortly after the request, Kaul filed a motion to withdraw Wisconsin from the ACA lawsuit. This is all possible today because laws restricting their powers are now voided.
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