Who has presiding authority in the Missouri Senate?

The presiding authority in the Missouri Senate is the Lieutenant Governor. This role involves overseeing the proceedings of the Senate and ensuring that the legislative process runs smoothly. The Lieutenant Governor is a state-wide elected official who also has responsibilities that include acting as the state's second-in-command to the Governor. In addition to presiding over the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor's duties can include casting tie-breaking votes in the event of a deadlock among Senators.

The importance of the Lieutenant Governor's role in the Senate emphasizes the structure of legislative leadership in Missouri, where the Lieutenant Governor acts as a crucial link between the executive and legislative branches of government. This position helps maintain order during debates and votes, ensuring that the Senate operates effectively.

In contrast, the Governor is primarily responsible for the executive functions of the state, including enforcing laws and administering state services, rather than serving as a presiding authority in legislative sessions. The Speaker of the House presides over the House of Representatives, not the Senate, and the Senate Majority Leader, while influential in guiding the Senate's agenda and strategies, does not have the official role of presiding over the entire Senate's proceedings.