Judge orders Wis. Capitol open to general public

Sleeping in Wisconsin Capitol
Opponents to the governor's bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for many state workers sleep on the floor in front of the Assembly chambers at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011. On Tuesday, March 1, 2011, a judge ordered officials to keep open the Capitol to all members of the public during normal business hours. Police limited access to the Capitol Tuesday.
Andy Manis/ASSOCIATED PRESS

A Dane County judge has ordered Wisconsin officials to open the Capitol to all members of the public during normal business hours.

According to court records, Judge Daniel Moeser has issued a temporary restraining order to reopen the Capitol until a trial court can schedule a hearing. The order says the building must be open to the public during business hours and when "governmental matters, such as hearings, listening sessions, or court arguments are being conducted."

Department of Administration spokesman Tim Donovan says officials were not served with the restraining order as of 10:30 a.m. Donovan says they will review the order to determine whether they're already in compliance.

Police have been allowing visitors without appointments or hearings into the building only as other visitors leave.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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