Lawmakers ponder special session

DES MOINES (AP) ? As lawmakers struggle to complete their work and adjourn the legislative session, some wonder whether the best way to deal with a contentious 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. The last time was in 2006, when the legislature returned in July to override a veto from then-Gov. Tom Vilsack of a bill that put new restrictions on the ability of local governments to seize private property. Other special sessions have dealt with tax votes and budget cuts.

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

This time, some lawmakers think a discussion over whether to expand Medicaid may be too complicated to finish in the coming days in addition to work on taxes and education policy.