Merging State Agencies Headed to Governor Perry

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The Texas Senate has given final approval to merging the two agencies that handle juvenile criminals, sending the bill to Gov. Rick Perry for his consideration.

Lawmakers want to consolidate the Texas Youth Commission and the Juvenile Probation Commission. The plan is to shift more offenders to community-based supervision and treatment programs.

A state report has said the merger could save about $3.3 billion.

The state’s troubled youth corrections system has undergone major reforms since neglect and sexual abuse allegations surfaced four years ago.

The new agency would be called the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. It would be overseen by a governor-appointed board.

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