DES MOINES, Iowa -- While the legislative session is over, a small group of lawmakers met at the Statehouse on Thursday to work on creating off-season committees. Some, like the Legislative Tax Expenditure Committee, are mandated by state code, but others can be voted on. Democrats wanted to form a committee to hammer out a new medical marijuana expansion bill before next session. The request was voted down 5-4 on party lines.
“Well, I'm hopeful that we can craft legislation next year that can be workable for all Iowans. I'm disappointed the committee decided not to appoint an interim committee to be able to study this more thoroughly over the time we're out of the session and then come back hopefully in the early part of next session with a bill that can get through,” said Democratic State Representative John Forbes.
