Opioids, tanning beds and more: 5 things to watch in the Tennessee legislature this week

As Gov. Bill Haslam prepares for his State of the State speech, he'll kick off the third week of the session by introducing a comprehensive plan to combat the opioid epidemic.

The week also will feature another round of questions from lawmakers about a frequently plagued state agency. The week could even feature some movement on bills already filed, although that's subject to change on a moment's notice.

Here is a roundup of five things that may be of interest this week:

Opioids

Haslam, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, House Speaker Beth Harwell and Chief Justice Jeff Bivins are set to announce a joint plan to address the ongoing opioid crisis.

The state has been hit hard by opioids, with more than 1,600 residents dying from drug overdoses in 2016.

More: Diane Black calls opioid epidemic 'greatest challenge' facing Tennessee leaders at ALEC summit

Although details of the plan are yet to emerge, a legislative task force made a number of suggestions, including adding more investigative agents, creating a drug abuse commission and limiting the prescription quantity of certain drugs.

The opioid plan is expected to be among Haslam's top legislative priorities for the session, as he is in the waning months of his administration.

On Thursday, Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, said he thought Monday's announcement would be a combination of the governor's and lawmakers' ideas. "This is a huge issue to us," he said.

McNally, R-Oak Ridge, said the comprehensive bill will have components related to treatment, law enforcement and education.

The plan will likely play a key role in Haslam's final prime-time speech, which is set for Jan. 29.

The opioid announcement is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday inside the Old Supreme Court Chamber on the first floor of the Capitol.

More scrutiny of DHS

The state Department of Human Services will once again be called to appear in front of the legislature. The agency has been plagued with issues in recent years, including questionable spending, lack of oversight with food programs and problems at licensed child care centers.

The last few years have been tumultuous for the department.

Last year, one month after the governor appointed a new commissioner, an investigation by the state comptroller found hundreds of thousands of dollars in inappropriate spending, including purchases of Xboxes. As a result, seven people were indicted in a scheme to defraud a state-run food program for kids.

More: Seven indicted in scheme to steal millions from food program for hungry kids

The developments come on top of a 2016 state audit that found $11.4 million in questionable department spending. Another audit found two agencies overseen by the department misappropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In 2015, a Tennessean investigation found problems at licensed child care centers where laws were broken.

The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee will hear from the department Tuesday immediately after the full Senate committee adjourns. The full committee is set to meet at 8:30 a.m. Both committees will be in Senate Hearing Room 1.

Voter registration

A bill from Sen. Lee Harris, D-Memphis, would allow Tennesseans to register to vote 15 days before an election. Current law requires voters to be registered 30 days before an election.

The measure is part of a larger effort by Democratic lawmakers to bolster Tennessee's voter participation rate.

More: Tennessee Democrats push effort to increase voter participation

The majority of other states allow voter registration closer to election day, including some that permit same-day registration.

Harris' bill is one of two on the Senate State and Local Government Committee's agenda when it meets in Senate Hearing Room 1 at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Law enforcement death benefits

Last year Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, and Sen. Ken Yager, R-Kingston, introduced a bill that would increase the amount of money beneficiaries could receive for a law enforcement officer killed while on duty.

Under their legislation, beneficiaries would be eligible for up to $50,000 — double the current allowable amount.

The House State Government Subcommittee has the bill on its agenda when it meets at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in House Hearing Room 4.

Tanning beds

If a bill from Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, R-Signal Mountain, and Sen. Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin, were enacted, Tennesseans under the age of 18 would be prohibited from using tanning facilities.

Current law allows anyone between 14 and 18 years old to use tanning beds, provided they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The House Health Subcommittee is set to take up the measure at 3 p.m. Wednesday in House Hearing Room 4.

Reach Joel Ebert at jebert@tennessean.com or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.