Lawmakers begin 2025 Legislative Session
Newly elected and returning lawmakers travel to State Capitol to be sworn into office as the session begins in Jefferson City
Wednesday, Jan. 8, marked the beginning of the First Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly. As newly elected and returning lawmakers traveled to the State Capitol to take the oath of office and begin the legislative session, they also had the opportunity to elect their legislative leaders for the next two years. In the Missouri House of Representatives, members elected Rep. Jon Patterson, R-Lee's Summit, to serve as speaker. Republicans hold a 110-52 majority over Democrats in the chamber. Across the State Capitol in the Missouri Senate, senators elected Cindy O'Laughlin, R-Shelbina, as the chamber's president pro tem. Senator O'Laughlin's election marks the first time a woman has been chosen to be the Senate's top lawmaker. Republicans carry a 24-10 majority over Democrats in the Missouri Senate.
In addition to the pomp and circumstance of the first day of the legislative session, both Patterson and O'Laughlin delivered opening day addresses that laid out their agendas for the year ahead. In the Missouri House, Speaker Patterson called on his colleagues to embrace the opportunity before them and put Missouri families first. His opening day message also urged lawmakers to clarify the provisions included in November's Amendment 3, specifically the state's definition of fetal viability. Additionally, his speech encouraged the Missouri House to pursue policies to increase public safety and pass legislation tackling the shortage of available child care throughout the state.
Representative Jon Patterson is the first lawmaker from Jackson County to serve as speaker in 157 years, and he is the first medical doctor to serve as speaker in 140 years. Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel/House Communications
"As your speaker, I ask you to join me today and commit to working together to make life safer, better and more affordable for Missouri families," said Speaker Jon Patterson in his opening day address. "When we have our differences, let us argue with respect. And when we find
common goals let us pursue them with the energy and passion fitting the people we serve."
Over in the Missouri Senate, Sen. O'Laughlin echoed several of the same sentiments mentioned by Speaker Patterson in her opening day speech. She called on the members of the Missouri Senate to address several of the state's public safety issues and pass legislation protecting the unborn. She also urged her colleagues to prioritize education reform and tackle the issues surrounding the state's child welfare system.
"Taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent and to trust that every dollar
supports the priorities that matter most: building better roads, ensuring safe streets, strengthening families, expanding quality education options and fostering an environment where businesses can create good-paying jobs," said Sen. O'Laughlin during her opening day address in the Missouri Senate. "Every decision we make should reflect the values of
the people we serve and deliver results that stand the test of time—just like the strongest foundation."
The legislative session runs from Wednesday, Jan. 8, through Friday, May 16. Lawmakers will take a one-week break from March 17-21 for the annual midsession recess.