Finding that there are too many issues that require clarification, a state appeals court on Thursday sent the state attorney general's appeal of a decision barring implementation of Gov. Scott Walker's bill to restrict public sector unions to the state Supreme Court.

"Plainly, this case has broad statewide implications for the general public and those most directly affected by the challenged Act, in addition to those interested in the manner of its passage," wrote a three-judge panel of the Fourth District Court of Appeals, consisting of Judges Paul Lundsten, Brian Blanchard and Paul Higginbotham.

The court sent two questions to the Supreme Court: Can a circuit court judge strike down a legislative act as a remedy for violation of the state's open meetings law? If so, does the court have the authority to stop the secretary of state from publishing the bill before it becomes a law?

When the court will take it up is, for the moment, anyone's guess. Court spokesman Tom Sheehan said there is no specific time line for any case, and the next step is up to the court.

Four or more of the seven members of the Supreme Court must agree to take the case, he said.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen did not immediately comment on the appeals court's action.