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Wisconsin Supreme Court says it will hear Act 10 case
The justices will review whether Act 10 unfairly exempts police and firefighters while limiting bargaining rights for other public safety workers.
On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted 5-1 to hear a lawsuit challenging Act 10, the 2011 law that stripped most public employees of collective bargaining rights.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge Jacob Frost ruled the law unconstitutional in December 2024, finding no rational basis for treating public safety employees differently than general workers.
The Wisconsin 2nd District Court of Appeals reversed Frost's decision in July, yet Justice Brian Hagedorn recused himself from the Supreme Court proceedings due to his prior role as Scott Walker's chief legal counsel.
Democrats' recent electoral victories have given the party control of state government, with many incoming officials on record supporting repeal of the law.
Unions argue the law's classification of general employees lacks rational basis, as the category includes Capitol Police and conservation wardens denied rights afforded police and firefighters.