The Missouri Senate convened for the first regular session of the 103rd General Assembly on Jan. 8, 2025. Secretary of State John R. Ashcroft delivered a certified list of senators elected in the Nov. 5, 2024 and Nov. 8, 2022 elections and the chamber established a quorum before proceeding with organizational business.

The Senate adopted temporary rules carried over from the prior General Assembly to govern debate and procedure while permanent rules are prepared. Senator Platt moved the resolution to adopt the prior rules, the motion was put to a voice vote and the president indicated the ayes had it; the resolution was adopted.

The chamber then took formal steps to staff its temporary and permanent officers for the session. Christina Martin was nominated and, by a roll call recorded in the chamber, elected secretary of the Senate. Marty Drewel was nominated and elected sergeant at arms by the same recorded margin. Judge Kelly Broniak of the Missouri Supreme Court administered the oaths of office for those positions and earlier administered the oaths to the senators-elect.

Committee rosters were read aloud and the list of gubernatorial appointments was referred to the Committee on Gubernatorial Appointments for consideration. The committee assignments read into the record included the Committee on Administration (chair: Cindy O'Loughlin; vice chair: Tony Lutkemeyer) and the Committee on Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics (chair: Tony Lutkemeyer; vice chair: Cindy O'Loughlin), among others. The chair also announced the referral of gubernatorial appointment materials to the appropriate committee.

Before recessing for a brief interval, the secretary called roll and confirmed a quorum. The presiding officer announced a five-minute recess to allow visitors and members to exit the chamber; later a motion to recess until 1:50 p.m. carried and the Senate stood recessed under the announced schedule.

Taken together, the certificate of election, the adoption of temporary rules, the installation of staff officers and the committee assignments completed the formal organization necessary for the Senate to begin legislative business when it reconvenes.