Walker approves state lawsuits outside Madison

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill that allows plaintiffs to file lawsuits against the state outside of Madison into law.

Under current state law, any lawsuit against a state actor must be filed in Dane County. The Republican-authored bill allows plaintiffs to bring lawsuits in any county they choose. Prisoners still must file their lawsuits in Madison, however.

Appellants also will be permitted to choose the state appeals court that hears their arguments, but they can’t pick an appeals court district that includes the lower court that originally handled the case.

Walker announced Thursday he signed the bill Wednesday evening at the governor’s mansion.