JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers are gathering at the Capitol for the start of their annual session.
The session begins at noon Wednesday with a swearing-in ceremony for lawmakers and the election of legislative leaders.
Republicans outnumber Democrats 117-45, with the most GOP members ever in the chamber. The party has a veto-proof majority in the Senate, as well, with 25 Republicans and nine Democrats.
Topics on this year’s agenda include issues that surfaced after the fatal shooting of a black 18-year-old by a white Ferguson police officer Aug. 9. Bills filed so far include measures that would require police to wear body cameras.
Other issues include changes to ethics laws and proposals to revamp a Missouri law allowing students in unaccredited districts to transfer to other nearby schools.