A Dane County Judge on Thursday denied a request to delay the filing of legal briefs in a case challenging the controversial budget repair bill. The lawsuit from the Dane County District Attorney claims the open meetings law was broken when the legislature approved the bill.
A restraining order blocking implementation the collective bargaining changes included in the bill remains in place, largely because Republican lawmakers have not waived immunity. Legal briefs on the immunity issue are due at the end of next month, and D.A. Ismael Ozanne wanted an extra week to finish them.
Ozanne says staff shortages are making it difficult to handle the normal case load of his office.
The Department of Justice did not object to the extension, but Judge Maryann Sumi denied the request. Sumi says a real sense of urgency remains with the case, as it has from day one.
Sumi did give the D.A. a two day extension on a deadline set for next week, but stood by an original May 23rd due date for all briefs and responses to be turned in to her.
Implementation of the collective bargaining changes included in the bill remains on hold, because of the restraining order.