What is the role of the Speaker of the House in the Missouri General Assembly?

The role of the Speaker of the House in the Missouri General Assembly primarily involves presiding over House sessions. This responsibility includes maintaining order during debates, ensuring that the rules of the House are followed, facilitating the legislative process, and overseeing legislative discussions. The Speaker plays a crucial role in shaping the agenda of the House, assigning bills to committees, and managing the legislative calendar. By presiding over sessions, the Speaker ensures that the proceedings run smoothly and that all members have the opportunity to participate in the legislative process.

While the Speaker may have influence in other areas such as budget preparation or advising the Governor, the core responsibility is to manage the operations of the House itself. This makes presiding over the House sessions the most accurate depiction of the Speaker's role within the General Assembly.