Texas House Passes Caytlin Handley Act

On April 24, the Caytlin Handley Act (HB 1188), filed by Rep. Christian Manuel, passed out of the Texas House by a vote of 146 to 2, and is moving to the Senate for consideration by the Senate Committee on Education K-16. The bill would require school districts to provide parents with information about their Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority when a child is first identified as eligible for special education services due to an intellectual disability or developmental delay. Currently, the law requires such information be provided at age 14, which means many parents go years without being informed of resources available to their child.

The bill is named in honor of Caytlin Handley—a previous recipient of The Arc of Texas' Advocate Spotlight (WATCH her testimony)—for the tremendous work she and her family have done for the bill's passage. They were formally recognized by a bipartisan coalition of Texas House members during the layout of the bill. 

WATCH joyful proceedings on House floor (timestamps of interest below)

• Start of floor action: 3:41:44
• Bill laid out by Rep. Manuel: 3:42:01
• Recognition of Caytlin by Rep. Manuel: 3:42:21, 3:43:58
• Moving moments with Handley family in gallery: 3:42:35, 3:44:05, 3:46:30
• Explanation of bill by Rep. Manuel: 3:43:04
• Amendment by Rep. Frank: 3:44:29
• Renaming of bill by Rep. Dutton: 3:45:44
• Rep. Manuel closes, passage of bill, audience's celebration: 3:47:02

By centering the voices of Texans with disabilities, we're making progress—together. 

School Voucher Bill Passes Out of Texas House and Senate, Heads to Governor’s Desk

On April 17, the Texas House passed Senate Bill 2 by a vote of 86 to 61, establishing an Education Savings Account (ESA) program. Historically, the Texas House has been the more resistant chamber, with rural conservatives holding the line against school voucher proposals. However, this session, enough votes shifted for the bill’s passage. On April 24, the Texas Senate concurred with the House’s version of the bill by a vote of 19 to 12. The final step: Governor Greg Abbott, for whom ESAs are a top priority, is expected to sign the bill into law.

The Arc of Texas actively opposed the creation of an ESA program due to its harmful implications for students with disabilities. We worked alongside our disability and public education coalition partners to share concerns with lawmakers throughout the session. While SB 2 is likely to become law, we remain committed to advocating for the well-being, inclusion, and educational rights of Texas students with disabilities.

Update on Texas Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

In a recent Joint Status Report, the 17 states involved in Texas v. Kennedy, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, asked the court to continue pausing the case. Critically, the states conceded they are no longer challenging the constitutionality of Section 504—a major win for the disability community. However, the lawsuit remains active and continues to challenge key updates to the regulation.

Originally filed as Texas v. Becerra, the case challenges recent updates to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs that receive federal funding. The updates include protections for receiving services in the community rather than institutions, equal access to medical treatment, accessible equipment and websites, reasonable accommodations, and effective communication. Learn more

Our Recent Testimony

Peer Support Specialist Program: House Bill 1941

WATCH our testimony (starts at 52:28)

On April 22, Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, our Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, testified in support of HB 1941, filed by Rep. Liz Campos. The bill would require the Health and Human Services Commission to include peer support services for people with IDD as an allowable Medicaid service. Peer support programs train people with IDD to become specialists, enabling them to mentor others in the community, boosting self-confidence, strengthening social connections, and improving well-being. By fostering self-determination and mutual support, they create meaningful employment opportunities and ensure people with IDD are valued as experts in their own lives.

Building Better Futures Program: House Bill 2081

On April 15, Shelbi Davenport, self-advocate and board member of The Arc of Texas, testified before the House Committee on Higher Education in support of HB 2081. The bill, filed by Rep. John Bucy III, would establish the Building Better Futures Program, creating a grant program within the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for colleges and universities expanding the number of Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) programs in Texas. CTP programs provide inclusive post-secondary higher education opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

On May 1, just in time for National Inclusive Postsecondary Education Day—a day to raise awareness about postsecondary education options for students with IDD—HB 2081 passed in the House by a vote of 125 to 17 to 2. Thanks to all who contacted your representative(s) ahead of the vote! It will now continue to the Senate for consideration.

The Arc of Texas collaborated with a dynamic group of advocates who shared powerful testimony at the April 15 House Committee on Higher Education and yesterday's Texas Senate K-16 Education Committee hearing, including a range of perspectives from self-advocates with IDD, parents, and higher education professionals. Thank you to Kason Erwin, Kandice Thompson, Brooke Hohfeld, and Dr. Brenda Barrio for your partnership and dedication! And big thanks to Rep. John Bucy III (author of HB 2081) and Senator Jose Menéndez (author of SB 1679) for advocating for expanded access to inclusive postsecondary education for Texas students with IDD!

WATCH our April 15 testimony (timestamps of interest below)

• Shelbi Davenport: 15:00
• Kason Erwin: 20:10
• Kandice Thompson: 23:45
• Dr. Brenda Barrio: 26:58
• Brooke Hohfeld: 30:37 

Advocate Spotlight: Shelbi Davenport and Kason Erwin

Related to above, we’re proud to recognize Shelbi Davenport and Kason Erwin for their thoughtful testimony in support of the Building Better Futures bill (HB 2081), and for their continued leadership in advancing inclusion for Texans with disabilities.

Shelbi, a board member of The Arc of Texas, shared her experience as a graduate of Texas A&M's PATHS inclusive higher education program and her current role supporting students with disabilities through the university’s HOPS program. A strong and consistent advocate, Shelbi uses her voice to promote access to inclusive education across the state. WATCH Shelbi's testimony

Kason, a high school senior from Lago Vista and member of the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities Youth Ambassador’s Program, testified about his experience researching inclusive postsecondary programs nationwide. With limited options in Texas, he ultimately chose the EMPOWER program at the University of Arkansas and encouraged lawmakers to invest in creating more opportunities here in the Lone Star State. WATCH Kason's testimony

Thank you, Shelbi and Kason, for your commitment to building a more inclusive future for Texans with disabilities!