SENATE CALLS FOR CONSERVATORSHIP OF TEXAS YOUTH COMMISSION

(AUSTIN) — The Senate met last night to set in motion the legal process needed to turn over administration of the Texas Youth Commission to a Governor-appointed conservator. The TYC has been in the spotlight since last week, when a two-year old investigation surface that found alleged sexual misconduct between two agency employees and minors under their care. These acts, coupled with the subsequent cover-up by TYC administrators, spurred the Senate to take action.

The resolution passed last night would direct the Legislative Audit Committee, co-chaired by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, to meet Thursday morning, find that the TYC is guilty of gross fiscal mismanagement, and recommend to the Governor that the agency be placed under conservatorship. Dewhurst said following last night's session that he has sent a letter to the Audit Committees other co-chair, House Speaker Tom Craddick, respectfully asking that the committee be convened as early as possible Thursday morning.

The final result of this resolution is that the TYC could be under complete new management by Thursday evening. Senate Dean John Whitmire of Houston said he had never seen the Senate so motivated to come together to take immediate action in his 24 years of Senate experience.

The Senate will reconvene Monday, March 5 at 3 p.m.

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