JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri lawmakers wrapped up their work early this week, adjourning Tuesday because of the severe winter storm.
House and Senate leaders each concluded their chambers' work around noon as a winter storm was burying Missouri under blowing snow and closing roads across much of the country.
Senators were scheduled to be back in session next week. The full House also was not scheduled to meet in a formal session until next week, but a few House committees were still planning hearings in the Capitol. The House is holding technical floor sessions Wednesday and Thursday.
Also cancelled was an annual speech Wednesday about the judiciary before a joint legislative session from Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice William Ray Price. A spokeswoman for the Missouri Supreme Court said the speech was expected to be rescheduled.
House Majority Leader Tim Jones said the schedule of bills the chamber can debate on the floor was empty after lawmakers approved two measures Tuesday morning. Jones said there was plenty of work to be done by House committees and that the technical sessions would allow committees to continue meeting if chairmen so chose.
"We will not have any formal House action until next week. Hopefully, the weather will be improved by then," said Jones, R-Eureka.
Lawmakers annual legislative session started last month, and much of the work early in the session is completed by committees and not the full chamber. Lawmakers are in session until mid-May.
__
Online:
Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov