Convenes a joint session to receive a message from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 2 is a procedural resolution that schedules a joint session of the Missouri House and Senate for February 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. The purpose of the joint session is to receive a message from the Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court, Mary Rhodes Russell. The resolution also directs the appointment of a 10-member House committee to work with a 10-member Senate committee to escort the Chief Justice and formally notify her that the General Assembly is organized and ready to conduct business.
The resolution does not change substantive law, create new programs, or appropriate funds. Its effect is limited to legislative organization and ceremonial procedure at the start of the session, including communication between the General Assembly and the judiciary. It primarily affects the internal operations of the House and Senate and the formal relationship between the legislature and the Missouri Supreme Court.
Impact
HCR2 has no direct impact on Missouri statutes or regulated parties because it is a concurrent resolution governing legislative procedure rather than statutory policy. Its practical effect is to authorize a joint session, establish a formal escort committee, and facilitate the opening communication from the Chief Justice to the General Assembly. The resolution is limited to the organization and functioning of the legislature and does not amend existing law.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the resolution was noncontroversial and broadly accepted, with the Senate adopting it unanimously by a 32-0 vote. No committee debate or recorded opposition is provided, and the measure’s ceremonial and administrative nature likely contributed to the lack of dissent. Overall, the sentiment around the bill appears routine and procedural rather than partisan or policy-driven.
Contention
There is no notable substantive contention reflected in the bill text or the available discussion record. Because the resolution simply arranges a joint session and committee appointments for a message from the Chief Justice, any disagreement would likely be limited to procedural details rather than policy substance. The unanimous Senate adoption indicates no visible opposition from either chamber in the available record.