How often does the Missouri General Assembly meet?

The Missouri General Assembly meets annually, starting on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January. This schedule sets a routine for lawmakers to convene once a year to discuss, debate, and pass legislation. The annual session typically lasts for a specific duration, often from January to May, allowing ample time for discussion of various bills and issues facing the state.

Establishing a consistent annual meeting helps ensure that legislative priorities are addressed in a timely manner, aligning with the state’s needs and the fiscal calendar. The structure of this legislative session is critical for the functioning of the state government, providing a predictable timeline for both lawmakers and the public.

The other options refer to different meeting frequencies or schedules that do not apply to the Missouri General Assembly. For instance, biannual or quarterly meetings would limit the Assembly's capacity to address legislative issues as much as needed, while a biennial schedule in odd-numbered years lacks the regularity necessary for efficient governance. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the established protocol for legislative sessions in Missouri.