Appeals Court stays 'Immediate Effect'

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Court of Appeals has stayed a temporary restraining order that favored Democrats in a procedural spat with House Republicans.

Ingham County Circuit Judge Clinton Canady III last week issued the order aimed at ensuring Republicans follow certain procedures when granting what is called "immediate effect" to bills approved by lawmakers.

That status determines how quickly a new law kicks in once signed by the governor.

Republicans say the ruling was an overreach and that they follow House rules. The appeals court says it will handle all further proceedings involving the lawsuit.

The case could affect how quickly two Michigan laws take effect. One bans unionization of graduate student research assistants at public universities, and the other bans public schools from deducting union dues from employee paychecks.