Recent Policy Progress for Texans with IDD

Governor Abbott Signs Bill Creating Building Better Futures Program Into Law

On May 26, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 2081, officially creating the Building Better Futures program—a meaningful step toward a more inclusive and accessible future for all Texans! Authored by Rep. John Bucy III and sponsored by Senator José Menéndez, the landmark legislation takes effect immediately, establishing a grant program within the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to support colleges and universities in developing and expanding Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) programs across the state. CTP programs provide inclusive higher education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), ensuring equitable access to postsecondary education and career pathways. Currently, only four CTP programs operate in Texas.

Now that the bill has been signed into law, the THECB is charged with implementing and administering the Building Better Futures program, and developing rules necessary for its administration. We will monitor these developments. 

Bill Strengthening Hiring Standards for Texas’ Juvenile Justice System Signed Into Law

On May 19, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 1437, closing a loophole in the do-not-hire registry for Texas' juvenile justice system. The bill, which takes effect September 1, prevents individuals convicted of misconduct within the system from simply moving to another facility following misconduct, commonly referred to as “pass the trash.” 

Our Public Policy and Advocacy Assistant, Kate Stoops, spoke in favor of the legislation in April as a necessary safeguard to protect vulnerable people within the state's juvenile justice system—especially those with disabilities. The enactment is a positive step in improving the system in Texas, particularly in light of a report by the U.S. Department of Justice describing significant violations of federal civil rights and disability law by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Bill Creating Strategic Plan for Greater Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Education Programs Passes House and Senate

On May 25, the Texas Senate gave final passage to House Bill 2310. The bill, authored by Rep. Claudia Ordaz and sponsored by Senator Tan Parker, would require the Texas Education Agency, Texas Workforce Commission, and Health and Human Services Commission to develop a strategic plan to increase the inclusion of children with disabilities in public early childhood education programs. 

With approval from both legislative chambers, the bill now heads to Governor Abbott for consideration.

School Discipline Bill Passes Senate with Positive Amendments from The Arc of Texas

On May 22, The Arc of Texas, in collaboration with our disability advocacy partners, successfully advocated for the removal of several harmful provisions from House Bill 6, the omnibus school discipline bill. Most notably, we helped eliminate language in HB 6 that would have allowed school officials to seek a court order to remove students with disabilities from their educational placement—even when the behavior was related to their disability. We also secured the addition of language promoting crisis prevention training for teachers and administrators.

We remain concerned about the bill’s overall emphasis on removals and punitive discipline rather than addressing the root causes of a student's behavior. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.

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

Our Recent Testimony

Special Education Funding Within School Finance: House Bill 2

WATCH our testimony (starts at 2:09:43)

On May 15, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo testified before the Senate Committee on Education K-16 in support of House Bill 2 which poses many changes to the way in which Texas public schools are funded, including special education. HB 2 would shift our state's special education funding to an intensity of services-based funding model. Sabrina also shared recommendations to strengthen the bill in the area of special education. 

Strategic Plan for Greater Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Education Programs: House Bill 2310

WATCH our testimony (starts at 40:33)

On May 20, Deputy Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Michael Clarke testified before the Senate Committee on Education K-16 in support of House Bill 2310, emphasizing that inclusive early education improves developmental outcomes and lays the foundation for long-term success in school and community life. (See our earlier mention of this bill above for more details.)

Advocate Spotlight: Ricky Broussard

We're thrilled to recognize Ricky Broussard of Texas City, Texas, for his many years of determination, honesty, and unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of Texans with disabilities. He has and continues to help shape a better future for generations to come! 

A longtime friend of The Arc of Texas, thoughtful member of our Public Policy and Advocacy Committee, and respected leader in the disability rights community, Ricky is a veteran self-advocate whose voice has resonated with lawmakers and citizens across our state, as well as at the federal level. 

Ricky Takes Medicaid Message to U.S. Congress

Congress is considering HR 1—legislation that, as written, would enact massive cuts to Medicaid, the federal-state program that provides health insurance to more than 71 million Americans (approximately 1 in 5), including those living with disabilities.

Ricky's story firmly underscores the need for Medicaid waiver programs, and exemplifies the positive impact these investments have on people living with disabilities and their ability to live and work in, and contribute to, their community. His story was recently shared by Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (Texas) to other members of Congress in a May 13 hearing of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, demonstrating the foundational impact services provided by Medicaid waiver programs have on the self-determination, well-being, and success of people living with disabilities. 

Fletcher shared her remarks on X, to which Congressman Randy Weber (Texas) falsely claimed "Ricky's Medicaid isn't being touched." Despite what Weber said, on May 22, the U.S. House passed HR 1, signaling their approval to slash critical Medicaid dollars from the federal budget. The bill is now headed to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

Ever a strong voice in helping legislators understand the perspectives and power of people with disabilities, Ricky released a video in response (also below), urging Congress to do the right thing—to protect their constituents with disabilities by protecting Medicaid. 

This video was produced in collaboration with Ricky and Texas Advocates. We stand with the millions of Texans with IDD whose lives are on the line.