Your source for disability policy news during Texas' 89th Legislative
Session.
Joint Statement on Upholding Scientific Integrity and Supporting the Autism Community As national organizations dedicated to advancing the well-being of Autistic individuals, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network,
Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, The Arc U.S., Autistic Women and Non-Binary Network, Autistic People of Color Fund, and partners across the disability and public health sectors stand united in our call for science-based decision-making and increased investment in the research, programs and services the Autism community needs to live fully. While our organizations reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences, we are aligned in the following principles: 1) Vaccines do not cause
Autism, 2) Autistic individuals deserve respect and support, and 3) Evidence-based policy is essential. We are deeply concerned by growing public rhetoric and policy decisions that challenge these shared principles. Read the full
statement here. You can also learn more about Autism and Autism Acceptance Month on The Arc U.S. blog.
Texas House Passes $337 Billion Budget, Prepares to Negotiate Final Budget with Texas Senate |
On April 11, the Texas House passed the General Appropriations Act (Senate Bill 1)
containing the budget for the 2025-2026 biennium. This $337.4 billion budget, which includes all state and federal revenue sources, outlines the state’s investments in healthcare, education, IDD services, and other critical programs over the next two years. A conference committee of House and Senate
members will now negotiate a final version of the budget before it is sent to the Governor’s desk. These legislators are responsible for reconciling the differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget, determining how the state invests in health care, education, IDD services, and other critical programs:
Education Updates Senate Unanimously Passes Special Education Finance Reform, Bill Set for House
Consideration
On April 7, the Texas Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 568 by Sen. Paul
Bettencourt (R–Houston). This bill would transition Texas' special education funding system to one based on the intensity of services a student needs, rather than solely on the instructional setting in which the student receives services (how it is currently funded). The bill, which reflects recommendations from the Texas Commission on Special Education Funding, now moves to the Texas House where it will be referred to a committee for consideration and a public hearing. “Caytlin Handley Act” Advances Unanimously Out of House Public Education Committee On April 8, the House Committee on Public Education heard House Bill 1188, filed by Rep. Christian Manuel, which would require school districts to provide families of students identified as eligible to receive special education services due to a diagnosis of an intellectual disability or developmental delay to their Local Intellectual
and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA), ensuring students and families are informed about Medicaid waiver programs, long-term services and supports, and other community resources.
The Handley Family of Katy, Texas—Caytlin, Carey, and Boyd—have championed this bill from the start, using their voices and lived experience to lead the charge for better access to information and
services for families of students with disabilities. In recognition of Caytlin’s advocacy, Rep. Harold Dutton Jr. motioned to rename the bill the “Caytlin Handley Act,” and in a rare and powerful moment, the committee voted to advance the bill immediately following testimony from the Handley family and supporters, including The Arc of Texas. WATCH the testimony (see timestamps of interest below).
- Rep. Manuel lays the bill out: 15:23
- The Handley Family testifies: 19:46
- Carey testifies: 20:27
- Caytlin testifies: 22:13 and 25:37
- Boyd testifies:
22:52
- Motion by Rep. Dutton: 46:23
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Advocate Spotlight: Caytlin Handley Related to the above news, we are proud to recognize Caytlin Handley, a self-advocate from Katy, Texas! Her
powerful words moved the committee and highlighted the importance of connecting students with IDD to long-term services. Caytlin shared, “I want to help people who have special needs like I do because there are many people in this world who have something–and I just want to help them move forward.” Her advocacy embodies the spirit of inclusion and leadership that drives meaningful change. Thank you, Caytlin, for your courage, compassion, and dedication to making Texas a better place for all!
We're also grateful to have Carey Handley, Caytlin's mom, on The Arc of Texas' Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
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The well-being of Texans with IDD is at risk—like never before. We need your support NOW to continue urging Texas policymakers to support the disability community. We will not back down.
Strengthening Hiring Standards for Texas Juvenile Justice System: House Bill 3276 WATCH our testimony (starts at 5:33) On April 3, Kate Stoops, Public Policy and Advocacy Assistant at The Arc of Texas, testified in support of HB 3276 by Rep. Candy Noble, which would strengthen hiring standards across juvenile justice facilities by prohibiting the re-hiring of individuals who were previously terminated or resigned due to substantiated incidents of
abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This policy would protect youth with disabilities in the juvenile justice system who are disproportionately impacted by unsafe facility conditions.
Reporting on Students with Disabilities in Higher Education: Senate Bill 769 WATCH our testimony (starts at 1:28:03) On April 3, Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, our Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, testified in support of SB 769 by Sen. José Menéndez, which would require the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to collect and report data on students with disabilities enrolled in public institutions of higher education, including their enrollment rates, degree
attainment, and the barriers they face. Sabrina highlighted the need for accurate data to inform policies that support access, inclusion, and success in postsecondary education for students with IDD.
Strategic Plan for Greater Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Education Programs: House Bill 2310 WATCH our testimony (starts at 1:01:14)
On April 8, Michael Clarke, our Deputy Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, testified in support of HB 2310 by Rep. Claudia Ordaz, which would require a collaborative strategic plan from the Texas Education Agency, Texas Workforce Commission, and Health and Human Services Commission to increase the
inclusion of children with disabilities in public early childhood education programs. Michael emphasized inclusive early education improves developmental outcomes and lays the foundation for long-term success in school and community life.
Supports for People with IDD Exiting Texas Department of Criminal Justice: House Bill 3834 WATCH our testimony (starts at 1:11:32)
On April 9, Kate Stoops, our Public Policy and Advocacy Assistant, testified in support of HB 3834 by Rep. Joe Moody, which would require the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to develop individualized reentry plans for incarcerated individuals with IDD, ensuring they are connected with
housing, support services, and community-based programs before their release. Kate highlighted the barriers people with IDD face upon reentry and the importance of coordinated support in reducing recidivism and promoting community integration.
Help Save Medicaid: Complete This Quick Form The Arc U.S. is fighting to ensure Medicaid is
not cut in the upcoming federal budget. Your U.S. representatives need to hear from you to understand how Medicaid provides essential health care and services to millions with disabilities so they can live healthier, fuller lives. Share what Medicaid means to you through this
quick form!
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