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SD House Votes To Send Juvenile Justice Overhaul To Governor

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The state House has approved a proposal that attempts to shift juvenile offenders toward community-based services and significantly decrease the number committed to the care of the state Department of Corrections.

The chamber voted 60-7 Tuesday to send the measure to Gov. Dennis Daugaard for his signature.

House Majority Leader Brian Gosch says the proposal mirrors changes lawmakers made to the adult criminal justice system in 2013. The measure is a key legislative priority for Daugaard in the 2015 session.

Opponents are concerned the proposal could create additional burdens for counties. Gosch says the bill includes provisions to help defray those costs.

Daugaard is recommending about $3.2 million for the next budget cycle for the proposal. Much of that is to expand access to community services, especially in rural counties.