Governor calls special session of the state legislature for workers compensation

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry Friday ordered the <b><a class="headlinelink" href="http://www.kotv.com/main/home/searchKOTV.asp?mainSearch=Legislature">Legislature</a></b> to convene a special

Friday, May 27th 2005, 4:17 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry Friday ordered the Legislature to convene a special session to work on a workers compensation reform plan.

Henry's order was read in the state Senate as the Legislature's regular session prepares to adjourn. The Legislature, which convened on February 7th, adjourned at 5 PM Friday under the state Constitution.

Lawmakers convened the special session Friday afternoon. Floor leader Ted Fisher says the Legislature will reconvene in special session on Tuesday.

Eleventh-hour negotiations between the state House, state Senate and Henry toward a workers compensation reform agreement fell apart Friday afternoon. House Speaker Todd Hiett and Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan both urged Henry to call a special session.

Hiett says he and Henry reached an "agreement in principle" on the issue. But Hiett says lawmakers would not have time to digest the 150-page bill's contents before adjournment.