Democrats assert law violation in Senate action

Dane County officials have directed county attorneys to take legal action over the state Senate's passage of a bill taking away collective bargaining rights from public workers.

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk said Thursday that state officials don't get to choose which laws they'll follow and when.

She was referring to a committee meeting called Wednesday night before the Senate took action. City attorney Mike May says he believes the action violated the state open meetings law.

State law requires at least 24 hours' notice of a meeting, or two hours' notice in case of emergency. Wednesday's 6 p.m. meeting was noticed at 4:10 p.m.

Senate Clerk Rob Marchant says under Senate rules, no notice was required other than posting it on the legislative bulletin board.

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

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