Special Session in Store for Iowa Legislature?

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — As lawmakers try to adjourn the legislative session, some wonder whether the best way to deal with a tough health debate is to skip the matter for now and hold a special session later.

 

It’s been seven years since the Legislature held a special session, but they have been used sporadically over the years to address complex issues.

In the past 50 years, lawmakers have joined for 15 special sessions. There were five years when two special sessions were called.

This time around, some lawmakers think a discussion over whether to expand Medicaid may be too complicated to finish in the coming days.

House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says he doesn’t want to rush the process.

But Democratic Senator Jack Hatch says lawmakers should stay until the job is done.