POWERS AND DUTIES.

(a) The council shall:

(1) study and investigate the functions and problems of state departments, agencies, and officers;

(2) conduct investigations and studies and make reports that may be considered useful to the legislative branch of state government;

(3) gather and disseminate information for the legislature's use;

(4) meet and perform council functions during the legislative interim;

(5) make periodic reports to all members of the legislature and keep the legislature fully informed of all issues that may come before the council, any action taken on an issue, and the progress made on an issue;

(6) report council recommendations to the legislature and, if appropriate, provide drafts of legislation with the report;

(7) assist the legislature in drafting proposed legislation;

(8) provide legal advice and other legal services to the legislature; and

(9) provide data-processing services to aid members and legislative committees in accomplishing their legislative duties.

(b) By agreement with either house of the legislature or a legislative agency, the council may perform other services or functions for or on behalf of the house or agency.