Judge Dismisses 1 of 3 Lawsuits Challenging Wisconsin Labor Law

A judge has dismissed one of three lawsuits filed challenging Wisconsin's divisive law restricting collective bargaining rights.

Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi on Thursday dismissed the lawsuit filed by Democratic Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk saying she does not have standing to bring the action. The judge says state law forbids an agency or arm of government like a county to challenge the constitutionality of state laws.

Another lawsuit brought by the Dane County district attorney remains. In that case, Sumi blocked enactment of the law earlier this month while she considers whether state open meetings law was violated in the process of passing the bill.

A third lawsuit challenging the law pushed by Gov. Scott Walker has been brought by firefighters and other public workers.