Judicial activism at its finest.

MADISON, Wis. — The contentious collective bargaining law that strips most public workers of nearly all collective bargaining rights and force them to contribute more to their pension and health plans is not in effect, according to an amended restraining order released on Thursday morning.

Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi issued the amended ruling at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday. She had already issued an emergency order blocking Wisconsin’s secretary of state from publishing the law, called Wisconsin Act 10. Sumi called a hearing Tuesday to weigh District Attorney Ismael Ozanne’s lawsuit alleging Republican legislative leaders violated Wisconsin’s open meetings law during debate on the proposal.

Sumi re-issued her order on Tuesday and this time, she has warned that anyone who violates it will face sanctions. She amended the ruling on Thursday to read, “Further, based on the briefs of counsel, the uncontroverted testimony, and the evidence received at the March 29 evidentiary hearing, it is hereby declared that 2011 Wisconsin Act 10 has not been published.”

Democratic Assembly Minority Leader Rep. Peter Barca welcomed Judge Sumi’s actions. In a statement Thursday he said, “The Judge made it abundantly clear on Tuesday that Gov. Walker that Gov. Walker and his administration, including DOA Secretary Mike Huebsch, should not be implenting Act 10. I believe she made it clear then with her order that stop means stop.”

HT: Ed M.