Brownback Submits Order On Juvenile Justice

Gov. Sam Brownback has submitted an executive order to Kansas legislators merging the state’s troubled Juvenile Justice Authority with its adult Department of Corrections.

Brownback delivered the order to the House and Senate on Friday. It takes effect in July unless either chamber rejects it by March 19.

The Republican governor promised last month to submit such an order. So far, no significant opposition has emerged in the GOP-dominated Legislature.

Brownback has argued that two critical legislative audits in the past six months demonstrate the need for a new approach to juvenile justice.

The governor contends juvenile facilities and programs would be better managed under the Department of Corrections. He also says money going into the Juvenile Justice Authority’s administration could instead be spent on programs for offenders.