Missouri’s special session hits delays

Work on a second special session has been delayed until after the Fourth of July holiday.

Gov. Eric Greitens called lawmakers back to Jefferson City on June 7 to pass new restrictions on abortion. They include protections for religious anti-abortion organizations.

Despite being called back to the capital city three weeks ago, lawmakers were not in the state Capitol this week and leadership at the state Capitol said they won’t be in next week, either.

ABC 17 News asked if taxpayer dollars could be footing the bill, even when lawmakers are not physically in the state Capitol building.

Communicators director Lauren Hieger, with the Senate majority caucus told ABC 17 News the only time any money is spent is when there’s a roll-call vote in the Senate.

Hieger also said the Legislature has 60 days to come to a decision during a special session. That would put the session’s deadline roughly at early to mid-August.

The last time a special session was called in the state of Missouri was in 2013 when former Gov. Jay Nixon was in office. That session was called was to approve tax breaks for airplane maker Boeing.

ABC 17 News called current and former lawmakers to get their opinions on the special session this week, but did not hear back as of Friday.