Amid an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has only intensified since it short-circuited the 2020 session last spring, the Missouri state Legislature convened its 2021 legislative session Wednesday in Jefferson City.

The 34-seat Senate swore in 11 new members Wednesday with Republicans controlling the chamber by a 24-10 margin. Sen. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, was reelected as Senate president for a second, two-year term.