Overhaul of CA state agencies takes effect

A reorganization of state government that eliminates or consolidates dozens of departments and agencies takes full effect Monday, the first day of the new fiscal year.

Under the changes orchestrated by Gov. Jerry Brown last year, the number of state agencies will be reduced from 12 to 10, with departments that have related functions housed together.

The reconfigured Transportation Agency now will include the Department of Motor Vehicles, California Highway Patrol, CalTrans and the California High-Speed Rail Authority. A new Government Operations Agency will centralize contracting, technology and human resource functions that had been scattered throughout state government.

Businesses and professionals who are licensed by the state will be overseen by the new Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, which consolidates two current agencies.

Brown has said the changes will streamline government and could save money in the long run.