Gov. Deal expected to sign juvenile justice overhaul into law during detention center visit

DALTON, Georgia — Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal is expected to sign into law a sweeping overhaul of the state's juvenile justice system.

The governor and First Lady Sandra Deal are expected to visit the Elbert Shaw Regional Youth Detention Center in Dalton Thursday to sign the legislation. The regulations are aimed at reducing the number of repeat juvenile offenders and the costs associated with them.

The legislation calls for emphasizing community-based programs over residential detention centers for non-violent youth offenders, providing judges with greater discretion in sentencing and offering more mental health and drug counseling.

The legislation is based on recommendations of a special panel convened by Gov. Nathan Deal.

Department of Juvenile Justice spokesman Jim Shuler says Deal is expected to sign the legislation at 10 a.m.

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