Panel to modernize Ohio constitution sets meeting

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A bipartisan panel charged with reviewing Ohio's Constitution for possible updates is preparing for its first meeting.

Creation of the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission was spearheaded by Republican House Speaker William Batchelder as a way of preparing for the possibility that a constitutional convention will be called in 2012. The question is put before voters every 20 years.

Ohio's Constitution affects voting, marriage, taxes on casinos and other businesses, elective terms and how the state pays for schools.

The commission will hold its organizational meeting Wednesday at the Statehouse. It will ultimately include 32 members -- 12 appointed from the General Assembly and 20 picked by majority vote from the outside.

Batchelder has three picks. He chose himself and Republican state Reps. Matt Huffman and Lynn Slaby.