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(AP) -- JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri lawmakers are studying what could be significant changes in the state's criminal code.

A special joint legislative committee is holding its first meeting next week, with others planned for later this month and in October. The panel will look at ways to make Missouri's criminal laws more cohesive and consistent.

The Missouri Bar has offered recommended several changes, following a four-year study of the criminal code by a committee of prosecutors, defense lawyers and members of the courts and the Legislature.

The legislative committee is led by Democratic Sen. Jolie Justus, of Kansas City, and Republican House member Stanley Cox, of Sedalia

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