The answer to the question, "Who will be in Helena come January 2009?" has only been known for a few days now, or for some, like Linda McCulloch, a few hours.

But the question of what lawmakers would like to see discussed during the next legislative session has been known for some time.

A quick search of the state Legislature's Web site shows nearly 750 bills already in the drafting process.

The measures range from the controversial like abolishing the death penalty  in Montana to the curious such as a law establishing a state "yummy thing."

The "yummy thing" bill reportedly came from a third grade class in Missoula who would like to make whole wheat huckleberry pancakes one of the symbols of Montana.    

Like most prior sessions, a majority of the proposed legislation is seeking general revision to laws that affect how the state regulates and governs agriculture, the environment, fish and game, stream access, education and pension funds.    

Many bills are aimed at changing the state's tax laws, including a measure that would establish a sales tax.

Also, in 2009 lawmakers will see a return of legislation that has failed in previous sessions including a primary seatbelt law and a proposal for geographical restrictions for certain sex offenders.

In this upcoming session, legislators will also tackle school funding,  a measure to revise opencut mining and a number of "green" bills.

These are just a fraction of the many of requests that will be submitted by Montana lawmakers before Jan. 5, 2009.