State lawmakers raced against a midnight deadline Wednesday to wrap up loose ends in the waning hours of the current legislative session.

Democratic leaders are eyeing possibly calling a special session to address the conveyance real estate tax. The tax, which is paid by homeowners selling their houses, is set to expire in July and would cost towns and cities about $40 million if not renewed.

The state Senate spent much of the afternoon discussing a subprime mortgage relief bill before ultimately passing it unanimously. Gov. M. Jodi Rell is expected to sign it.

Lawmakers credit passing the bill to Democrats and Republicans working together. "We worked really hard ? in a bipartisan way to get this bill done because the state of Connecticut really needs it," said state Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk).

An ethics reform bill that would revoke the pensions of officials convicted on corruption charges was also being looked at, with a difference of opinion on the bill between the House and Senate.