GOP to release Assembly rule changes Thursday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Republican and Democratic leaders are still trying to reach a deal on how best to avoid late-night votes in the state Assembly.

Republican Speaker Robin Vos and Democratic Minority Leader Peter Barca met for a second day Wednesday to negotiate possible changes to Assembly rules. Following their meeting Tuesday, Barca said they were "worlds apart" on agreement.

Those private talks resumed Wednesday. Vos's spokeswoman Kit Beyer says the rules proposal will be released on Thursday before the Assembly meets to debate the changes.

Republicans have a majority and can pass any rules they wish, but Vos reached out to Democrats to discuss the changes before the Assembly takes them up.

It has become increasingly common for the Assembly to work late into the night, sometimes not voting until early morning.