The Breakdown, Episode 3: The special session clock is ticking

Gov. Doug Ducey convenes a special session on the opioid crisis on Jan. 22. (From left) Senate President Steve Yarbrough, Senate Minority Leader Katie Hobbs, House Minority Leader Rebecca Rios, House Speaker J.D. Mesnard and a litany of other lawmakers and supporters joined the governor to advocate for various changes in law related to opioids. (Photo by Katie Campbell/Arizona Capitol Times)

Gov. Doug Ducey convenes a special session on the opioid crisis on Jan. 22. (Photo by Katie Campbell/Arizona Capitol Times)

The governor will convene the special session on the state’s opioid crisis today, and he wants to see legislation approved by Friday.

The clock is now ticking while lawmakers consider a proposal approaching the problem on numerous fronts. Additional treatment options for people with addictions, increased penalties for doctors unnecessarily prescribing the addictive medications, oversight for manufacturers – the list goes on.

Meanwhile, campaign finance reports show the governor far ahead of his challengers in this year’s gubernatorial race, and a House attorney has some interesting thoughts on public records.