Wisconsin Supreme Court Strikes Down GOP Law Restricting AG Authority

The Wisconsin Supreme Court unanimously ruled against a 2018 GOP law that required Attorney General Josh Kaul to obtain approval from a Republican-controlled legislative committee before settling certain civil lawsuits, deeming it unconstitutional as it violated the separation of powers. The law targeted Kaul's authority over cases involving environmental issues, consumer protection, and matters related to the governor’s office and executive branch. The court emphasized that the legislature cannot assume executive powers, and there is no constitutional justification for requiring legislative approval of settlements that the executive branch is empowered to resolve. This decision follows a lengthy legal battle, including a 2020 court ruling that upheld the law but left room for future challenges. Kaul hailed the ruling as an end to unconstitutional legislative interference in key cases. The case reflects ongoing tensions between the state’s Republican-controlled legislature and the Democratic executive branch following the 2018 elections.