Typically, legislators chosen in special elections to fill unfinished terms are sworn in when the Missouri General Assembly convenes for its annual session in January. But four legislators-elect will wait until January 10th to be sworn in. The 96th General Assembly convenes Wednesday.

By waiting, the four lawmakers will serve less than a year of the terms they’re filling. The state constitution won’t count that time toward the eight-year limit. Thus, they will be eligible to seek four additional two-year terms in the House.

Legislative leaders say they have patched things up after the contentious special session this summer that many view as a bust. They hope to begin the session with votes on several bills, including reforms to the state’s workers’ compensation system, and an effort to shore up the beleaguered Second Injury Fund, which covers certain workplace injuries that aggravate pre-existing conditions.

Lawmakers will also tackle several measures related to the Joplin tornado, including a bill to suspend the prevailing wage in disaster zones, one that would remove damaged buildings from county tax rolls until they’re repaired, and a measure giving a tax break to anyone who builds a storm shelter.