While not as likely to get as heated as it did last year, the debate over how much control the state has on parental rights will likely capture lawmakers' attention, as well as protests by the low income to restore nearly $7 million to fund Medicaid benefits for adult dental and vision services.

Two legislators who saw their bills fail in the 2004 session that invoked sweeping changes to the state's child welfare law are planning to revive their efforts, and another measure has been introduced that would safeguard a parent's choice to made medical decisions for his or her child.

A variety of other health-related measures deal with access to medical care, allowing certification of direct entry midwives and the creation of a preferred drug list.

Lawmakers will be asked to shore up some funding gaps for this fiscal year, including the allocation of nearly a million dollars to help local mental health centers serve non-Medicaid eligible clients. A request is also on the table for money to re-open the 26 beds in the forensic unit of the state's mental hospital — beds that remain empty due to the state's fiscal crunch of the past three years.

Environment

Nuclear waste, federal rules that some fear could block road access, keeping an eye on Dugway Proving Ground, a resolution against atomic bomb testing in Nevada — all are among environmental issues the Legislature faces when the session begins Monday.

By far the most contentious involves the long-running debate over importing low-level B and C radioactive waste. Currently only one facility in the state, Envirocare of Utah, disposes of nuclear waste, and it handles Class A material, which is less toxic.

Activists have campaigned for an outright ban on B and C waste. Recently, a legislative task force concluded that a ban might have unwanted legal repercussions. Instead, the group supported current regulations that require separate authorization from Utah's Department of Environmental Quality, the Legislature and the governor before such waste can be imported.

Any potential resumption of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site is the target of a resolution sponsored by Rep. Michael E. Noel, R-Kanab.

In a different arena of the environmental jousts, Noel is sponsoring a bill, not yet assigned a number, that would require federal land managers to consider state plans, laws and regulations when promulgating their own land management plans.

Respecting road rights of way and allowing access to water diversion points, communication towers and mineral resources are issues that the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service and other federal agencies should have to comply with, he said.

Corrections/public safety