Lawmakers end special session

LITTLE ROCK—Arkansas lawmakers wrapped up a three-day special session Thursday by completing work on legislation pertaining to pharmacy reimbursement rates, highway funding and college savings plans, just as Gov. Asa Hutchinson was saying he hopes such special sessions don't become routine.

The Legislature on Monday concluded its bi-annual fiscal session, at which it is restricted to handling appropriations bills unless two-thirds of each chamber vote to go beyond money matters. Tuesday, lawmakers opened a special session where the governor sets the agenda, but bills require only a simple majority to pass.

At a news conference to announce plans to reorganize state government, Hutchinson said issues had developed that needed to be addressed before the 2019 regular session.

"As to a pattern for the future, I will certainly not plan on special sessions following fiscal sessions," Hutchinson said. "I hope that doesn't happen, but fiscal sessions do bring to the surface other challenges that need to be met."

Read more: http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/arkansas/story/2018/mar/16/lawmakers-end-special-session/717752/