Iowa Legislators who support medical marijuana are rushing to advance a bill that would at least extend the soon-to-expire state law that has decriminalized possession of cannabis oil for treatment of chronic epilepsy. Senator Joe Bolkcom, a Democrat from Iowa City, supports the bill, but says it’s only a “half step.”

Senator Thomas Greene, a Republican from Burlington, says he understands their frustration and disappointment.

This issue is part of the frantic activity at the statehouse this week as lawmakers rush to meet Friday’s deadline for action on policy bills. Bills that fail to win approval in a committee are dead for the year.