Today is the start of the first regular session of the 103rd General Assembly. Lawmakers, their workers, lobbyists, advocates, and others will be in Jefferson City for opening day.
The day is largely ceremonial - new members and re-elected members of the Missouri House and Senate are set to take the oath of office. New Republican leadership is also on tap to be formally chosen in both chambers. The tradition is for the leaders to deliver speeches in hopes of energizing members about the new session.
In terms of getting down to business...it might be low-key for a couple of weeks. Committee chairs and members are chosen and then they can organize public hearings for bills.
Lawmakers have filed hundreds of bills to be considered this session. The GOP-controlled legislature is expected to prioritize bills that address Missouri's lack of childcare access, ways to fight crime, and foreign ownership of farmland. As a result of voter-approved measures last November, Republicans are expected to have their sights set on rolling back abortion rights and a new minimum wage/required paid sick leave.
The House and Senate are scheduled to gavel in at noon today.