Texas budget negotiators have agreed on prison funding that would close a more than century-old unit near Houston to save money.
Legislative leaders Wednesday announced a prison budget of $6.1 billion, which is part of the overall state spending plan still under review.
The measure includes shutting the Central Unit in Sugar Land. Department of Criminal Justice spokeswoman Michelle Lyons said Thursday the closure would save $25 million over two years.
The proposal for TDCJ is about $100 million, or 1.6 percent less than the current prison budget.
Lyons also says the plan would retain the system of raises for about 30,000 corrections employees as part of career-ladder increases.
Senate Criminal Justice Committee Chairman John Whitmire of Houston says the plan would maintain inmate security, treatment and rehabilitation.
