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Does anybody know where the text of the bill can be found? Can the bill be re-written so that it is not touching upon appropriations of money, but only the union question (and this eliminate the 3/5 quorum requirement)? Or is the union question necessarily tied into a clause that makes an appropriation dependent upon the union-status-change?

Well, IANAL, but I think even a simple bill addressing only the collective bargaining issue would require a 3/5 quorum. (Pinging some attorney FRiends in case they want to weigh in.)

Wisconsin Constitution
Article VIII
Vote on fiscal bills; quorum.
SECTION 8.
On the passage in either house of the legislature of any law which imposes, continues or renews a tax, or creates a debt or charge, or makes, continues or renews an appropriation of public or trust money, or releases, discharges or commutes a claim or demand of the state, the question shall be taken by yeas and nays, which shall be duly entered on the journal; and three/fifths of all the members elected to such house shall in all such cases be required to constitute a quorum therein.

IMHO, we should just let this play out. The Dems have to return eventually. When they do, they'll be forced to debate and vote. Anything Republicans do to alter the bill to shove it through the Senate makes them look desperate, sneaky, or vindictive.

or releases, discharges or commutes a claim or demand of the state

I think "claim or demand" relates to money owed to the state.

I still would like to see the bill passed anyway, and the gov impounding the union dues money until such point as the thing is sorted out.