When Ohio lawmakers passed a bill last year that would examine the state’s criminal laws, the Criminal Justice Recodification Committee was formed. The group of judges, attorneys, state employees, and law enforcement met this month for the first time to explore current statutes.

The 130th General Assembly created the 24-member committee to work on a comprehensive plan for revising criminal laws. Lawmakers last year passed Am. Sub H.B. 483 intending the committee to study current criminal statues and make recommendations to amend Ohio’s Criminal Code with the goal of “enhancing public safety and the administration of criminal justice.”

Auglaize County Common Pleas Judge Fred Pepple was elected chair and Ohio Public Defender Tim Young was elected as vice chair of the committee. Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger is one of the committee members.

“Generally, crimes under state law are found in Title 29 of the Ohio Revised Code, but they are not always easy to understand,” Justice Lanzinger said. “We as a committee will study the current code following our mission to recommend criminal laws that are fair and clear.”

The group will meet again on June 11 and the committee is expected to complete its work by August 2016.