Judge Jackie Fulford, of Retirement System Case, Sidelined by Injuries

Leon County Circuit Judge Jackie Fulford, at the center of the dispute between state employees and the Legislature over employee contributions to the Florida retirement system, will be out until next week because of injuries she suffered in a biking accident, her office said Tuesday.

Fulford, who in September struck down the Legislature's plan to privatize some South Florida correctional facilities because it was approved as part of the budget last year rather than a stand-alone bill, was due to rule on the Florida Education Association and public-employees unions' suit against the contribution requirement last Friday.

Her office is unsure if a ruling would have to wait until next week.

On Friday, House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, said the pension decision shouldnt affect ongoing Florida budget plans, because he expects the case, no matter the verdict, will be challenged.

Read more about Judge Fulford.