WSMV Channel 4 Lawmakers prepare to tackle controversial issues

Lawmakers won't waste any time before tackling some controversial issues when they come back to town next month.

When they come back in a matter of weeks, one of the first things they'll take up could be one of the most controversial.

They will unveil the lines they've drawn for legislative and congressional districts.

"We'll be prepared and ready to move the first week in session," said House Speaker Rep. Beth Harwell, R-Nashville.

Every year the only thing lawmakers have to do is balance a budget, so obviously that will be a priority.

Following the governor's formation of a task force on vouchers, lawmakers plan to slow down on that issue.

While the Senate wants to pursue a bill to allow carry permit holders to leave their guns in their workplace parking lots, House leaders said guns won't be a priority.

"I think our focus will not be on gun issues, it will be on economic development and jobs, job creation," said Rep. Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga.

So what can you expect?

Expect to see some changes to the unemployment system and worker compensation.

Lawmakers also favor drug testing those who receive state benefits as long as it's financially feasible.

"We want to make sure that the people that benefit from the state are living up to their part of the deal," said Harwell. "We have to weigh the cost factor there. How costly will it be to drug test the recipients."

Perhaps state lawmakers' biggest goal doesn't have anything to do with legislation at all. They are hoping to get out of session early, targeting the end of April.

Last week, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, floated the idea of a special session on health care reform.

Harwell said no one wants a special session. She understands it's difficult to vote on a health care program when an election or Supreme Court ruling could change everything.

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