(AP) – Missouri lawmakers are kicking off the 2017
legislative session with flowers and a reading of the Bill of Rights.
Wednesday is the first day of session, which runs through mid-May.
Most House members wore red roses on their lapels, and senators wore orange
boutonnieres. Ceremonies included listening to the National Anthem and a reading
of the Bill of Rights.
Lawmakers were sworn in, and friends and family packed the chambers.
In an unusual moment of tension during a typically sleepy day, outgoing
Democratic Secretary of State Jason Kander gave a final speech warning
Republican House members not to go too far with voter photo identification
policies.
Republican Gov.-elect Eric Greitens stood behind GOP leaders in the Missouri
Senate during opening ceremonies.
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