(a) In this section, “service” includes a program.
(b) If a state agency determines that a service provided by that agency should be decentralized to a multicounty region, the agency shall use a state planning region or combination of regions for the decentralization.

(c) A state agency that decentralizes a service provided to more than one public entity or nonprofit organization in a region shall consult with the commission for that region in planning the decentralization. The commission shall consult with each affected public entity or nonprofit organization.
(d) A state agency, in planning for decentralization of a service in a region, shall consider using a commission for that service to:
(1) achieve efficiencies through shared costs for:
(A) executive management;
(B) administration;
(C) financial accounting and reporting;
(D) facilities and equipment;
(E) data services; and
(F) audit costs;
(2) improve the planning, coordination, and delivery of services by coordinating the location of services;
(3) increase accountability and local control by placing a service under the oversight of the commission; and
(4) improve financial oversight through the auditing and reporting required under this chapter.
(e) This section does not apply to a service:
(1) that continues to be operated by a state agency through a regional administrative office of that agency; or
(2) for which the state agency determines that a law, rule, or program policy makes use of the geographic area of a single county or adjacent counties more appropriate.