With the changes being proposed to her renewable energy tax credits bill, Rep. Lucy Mason believes the legislation can now pass muster with Gov. Jan Brewer.

But whether the governor is willing to amend the special session so the bill can be heard, or whether any of Mason’s colleagues will be willing to stick around long enough to do so, remains to be seen.

Mason’s bill, H2341, would have granted tax credits to companies that generate renewable energy. But Brewer vetoed it due to concerns that the lack of a spending cap could lead to massive, unforeseen costs. Mason, a Prescott Republican, said she worked with stakeholders to come up with a cap of $20 million, a threshold she does not think will be met in any event.

In her veto message, Brewer said she would be willing to amend her call for a special session so the bill can be heard along with the budget. Mason is hoping that pledge is still good.

“I have to take the governor at her word, and so we’re working to make sure that it happens and that those questions get addressed, and then she can go ahead with a clear understanding of what the bill is and put it on the call,” Mason said.

Brewer spokesman Paul Senseman, however, said no determinations have been made on whether to amend the stated purpose of the special session. There has been some discussion of including the bill’s language as a budget reconciliation bill to the eventual budget deal. He also suggested that a separate special session could be called later.

“That’s being discussed. Nothing’s been finalized, as far as I know,” Senseman said. “It may be a future special session. That’s always a possibility. So there are multiple options.”

Even if Brewer puts the issue before legislators, many may not be willing to put in more time at the Capitol after a special session that shows no signs of ending after nearly a month. Including the regular session, lawmakers have been working for almost seven months.

Rep. Russ Jones, a Yuma Republican, said he would willing to stay for Mason’s bill, but wonders if some of his colleagues have had enough. Because of vacations and other commitments, such as the impending school year, some lawmakers may not be able to spare the time.

Additionally, if Mason’s bill is added to the special session, it may be difficult to stop at just one, Jones said. For example, Senseman there have also been discussions about amending the call so lawmakers can repeal S1271, which makes homeowners who have been foreclosed on liable to lenders for the monetary differences between their mortgages and the home’s sale price.

“As a practical side of things, I would be real surprised if that did occur,” Jones said. “I for one would (be willing to stay). I think it’s important.”

According to Mason, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that the renewable energy tax credits would cost the state about $315,000 a year. But in her veto message, Brewer cited other estimates that said a single solar facility could earn up to $88 million in tax credits.

Mason said she has discussed the issues with stakeholders, and said they have agreed to include a $20 million cap. That would permit up to 10 companies to apply for the maximum $2 million credit, though Mason said she doubts all 10 would qualify for the full tax credit.

“I think we’ve got everything in place to move forward, according to how she wants it,” Mason said.