In its first meeting following the 2007 session, the Legislative Council set the agenda for the coming year on Tuesday by electing to pursue 58 separate studies, including one that lays the groundwork for a renovation of the state prison.

Made up of state lawmakers, the Legislative Council is largely responsible for the legislative branch's duties when the Legislature is out of session.

Its primary activity is to meet in bodies known as interim committees to conduct studies recommended during the session. The results of these studies - both information gathering and policy recommendations - will be forwarded to lawmakers for the 2009 session.

"It's a chance to clear up some of the things we didn't get to study enough during the session," said Senate Minority Leader David O'Connell, a Lansford Democrat who serves on the Legislative Council.

Rep. Al Carlson, R-Fargo, who's serving as Legislative Council chairman this interim, said this year's important studies revolve around much discussed issues of the session, including property taxes, higher education funding, Medicaid and the state's transportation infrastructure.

The 58 topics to be studied include:

3 Development of a comprehensive energy plan involving every energy production sector.

3 How local governments can find efficiencies to reduce property taxes

3 How North Dakota can grow its population and increase its available workforce.

3 The funding, demographics and effect on rural areas of the state's emergency medical services.

3 How public and private entities can work together to promote healthy lifestyles in children.

3 What effect a free college tuition program would have on the state.

The study that received the most attention during the legislative session involves one that seeks options on renovating the North Dakota State Penitentiary in Bismarck. The legislative committee is charged with recommending three plans, which will be forwarded to two other committees.

In an unusual move, the legislation calling for the prison study gave the interim committees the power to spend up to $41 million to begin construction before the Legislature meets again in 2009.

"There is a sense of urgency for some of the employees that we don't want to delay it two or three years," said Rep. Chet Pollert, R-Carrington, who was chosen Tuesday to chair the prison study committee.

Its other House members are Reps. Alon Wieland, R-West Fargo, and Ralph Metcalf, D-Valley City. Its Senate members are Bob Stenehjem, R-Bismarck, the Senate majority leader; O'Connell; and Tony Grindberg, R-Fargo.

Carlson said Legislative Council wanted to tackle this problem quickly because the prison continues to age and construction costs continue to rise.

"It doesn't get any better or cheaper by waiting," Carlson said.

The Legislative Council is planning its next meeting for June 6. Carlson said chairs and members of interim committees would be chosen at this meeting.

(Reach reporter Jonathan Rivoli at 223-8482 or jonathan.rivoli@;bismarcktribune.com.)