Senate speaker says special session not necessary

Count Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey among those who don’t believe a special legislative session is necessary next month.

A Ramsey spokesman said Tuesday the Blountville Republican thinks addressing a new workers’ compensation law can wait until lawmakers meet in regular session come January.

Some lawmakers have called for a 3-day session to delay the Dec. 31 effective date of the 2008 law that requires more construction contractors to carry workers’ compensation coverage.

Republican House Speaker Kent Williams of Elizabethton has said he doesn’t believe lawmakers are in agreement over a special session, and Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen has said he won’t call one unless there’s a consensus on any changes needed in the law.