One state senator last week voted against the first-round approval of a bill, then changed his vote on the final passage of the same bill - essentially giving the measure the final vote it needed to be passed and sent to the Missouri House.
He was then questioned about that change-of-vote by another senator.
On a different bill, a senator asked another one last week why he had voted against a bill when it was endorsed for full debate by a committee.
Also, earlier in the week, one senator used a swear word telling the sponsor of a controversial bill that its basic philosophy was nonsense.
That comment drew an immediate rebuke from the senator presiding over that debate.
And it all was too much for Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard.
Thursday afternoon, he addressed the full Senate on what's called a "point of personal privilege."
"The traditions of the Senate are extremely important, and I believe they are important to every member in this (body) who's ever served or who ever will serve," Richard, R-Joplin, told colleagues. "Rules regarding decorum will be strictly enforced from this day forward."
The Missouri Senate has a 69-page rule book that includes 102 rules about the chamber's daily operations and debate procedures, as well as committee assignments and other information.
Rule 79 covers when "a senator is called to order for words spoken in debate," and senators were reminded to follow the rules of decorum after the swear word was spoken last week.
However, Richard reminded the Senate on Thursday, "The King's language is the language of this room - I will tolerate no foul language in this room.
"This room has a tradition of open and fair debate, and that is where we're going to be proceeding."
Richard also told colleagues, and later repeated to reporters, "personal attacks are not going to be tolerated."
He told the Senate, "I will use every rule in my power to conduct a decorum and a respect of you, of the members who have served in our past and ones in the future."
Richard did not specify how he would enforce the rules.
However, in some cases, the Senate's Rules already contain a penalty clause.
For instance, Rule 78 states, "If any senator transgresses the rules of the senate, the chair shall, or any senator may, call him or her to order, in which case the senator called to order shall immediately sit down, unless permitted to explain."
During his address to colleagues Thursday, Richard said, "The politics of a bill will not be allowed to be discussed in here.
"If you want to talk about presidential politics or you want to talk about the politics of a bill, go outside of this room - there are plenty of places in the hallway to do that."
Richard was asked during a post-session news conference Thursday afternoon why politicians couldn't discuss politics during debate - where the public can know what was said.
"Well, the national scene is getting a little bit intense," he explained. "I would prefer the Senate be more respectful of dialog - if they're going to talk about politics, let's just not make it personal.
"Let's just talk about the issues."
However, talking about issues during debate doesn't include quizzing each other on votes, Richard said.
"Questioning of members' votes will not be tolerated," he said. "To question someone's vote, you can take it on the side gallery - it is not to be discussed in this room."
He was asked at the news conference why the public, either listening online during the debate or relying on media coverage afterward, wasn't entitled to hear that question be asked and answered.
"I would prefer personal information about why people vote for something or against something be outside the room," Richard said. "There's plenty of time."
He declined to explain what prompted his Thursday comments.
The Senate in the next few weeks will be talking about several controversial issues, including:
• Requiring all voters to have a specified form of picture ID when they go to the polls.
• Measures to place more regulations on people who do abortions.
• How to pay for improvements to the state's roads and bridges - when some lawmakers and other Missourians object to any tax increases.
Lawmakers will take their week-long spring break during the last full week of March.
Then they will have seven weeks to complete work on the budget and whatever laws and resolutions are to be passed this year.
The Constitution places this year's adjournment date May 13.