WASHINGTON —  (WMAL) Maryland and Virginia lawmakers are gathering in their respective state capitals Wednesday to kick off their 2018 General Assembly sessions.

In Annapolis, as they do each year, lawmakers are expected to elect the presiding officers for the House and Senate on the first day.

While some sessions get off to a slow start, lawmakers appear ready to act soon on some high-profile issues. Democrats who control the General Assembly say they expect an override vote against Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto of a bill requiring paid sick leave for businesses with 15 or more employees.

Lawmakers also are expected to act swiftly to allow more licenses to grow medical marijuana to boost diversity with minority-owned businesses.

Legislative leaders have pledged to prioritize a bill to take parental rights away from rapists.

In Richmond, lawmakers will welcome a host of new faces in the House of Delegates, where Democrats picked up 15 seats in the November elections.

Later in the day, outgoing Gov. Terry McAuliffe will give his final State of the Commonwealth address.

Lawmakers will be tasked with passing the state budget and will also debate a host of other issues. Hundreds of bills have already been filed, covering issues including taxes, transportation, education and criminal justice reform.

Democratic Gov.-elect Ralph Northam will be sworn in Saturday. He has promised progress on progressive priorities like Medicaid expansion and gun control but also vowed to work across the aisle with Republicans.

The Associated Press contributed content to this report.

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