What is the primary responsibility of the Missouri General Assembly?

The Missouri General Assembly's primary responsibility is to create and pass state laws. This bicameral legislature, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, engages in the legislative process by introducing, debating, and voting on a wide range of proposed laws that seek to address various aspects of governance, public policy, and societal needs within Missouri. The process involves multiple steps, including committee reviews and amendments, which are essential for ensuring that the laws are comprehensive and reflect the interests of the state's residents.

While conducting state elections is important, this function primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State's office rather than the General Assembly. Overseeing local governments is also not a primary responsibility of the General Assembly, as local governance functions are generally managed by city councils and county commissions. Setting state budgets, while significant and part of the legislative process, is a specific function within the broader task of lawmaking, as budgetary laws must be passed by the General Assembly.