TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle has created a new committee to handle criminal justice issues and named new chairmen for two other panels.

Wagle announced the changes Monday. She is a Wichita Republican, and all committee leaders are Republicans because of the GOP’s 32-to-8 majority.

Wagle created a Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee. Criminal justice issues have been handled by the Judiciary Committee, but it’s long been seen as overburdened.

The new committee’s chairman is Sen. Greg Smith of Overland Park.

Wagle named Sen. Rob Olson of Olathe as Utilities Committee chairman. He replaces former Sen. Pat Apple of Louisburg, who now serves on the state’s utility regulatory commission.

Olson gave up the chairmanship of the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. It went to Sen. Jeff Longbine of Emporia.