Archived Texas 80^th Legislative Issue Briefs

Legislative Issues for the 80^th Texas Legislative Sessions (pdf)

• Summary of Legislative Briefs
• Long Term Services and Supports
  • Necessary Revision to Chapter 166.046 of the Texas Health & Safety Code in support of continued treatment
  • Consolidation of Waivers
  • Policy Statement on Community Services and Supports
  • Policy Statement on State Institution Closure and Consolidation (also known as “state schools for the “mentally retarded”)
    
• Housing
  • Protection of ‘504’ in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) deals
  • Support all efforts to create more ‘real’ affordable housing to meet the needs of Texans with disabilities at 50% and below area median income
  • Support efforts to establish a “discount or reduction” in homeowner’s insurance rates for homes that are built ‘visitable’ through the ‘EasyLiving Home Texas’ certification program
  • Include homeowners with disabilities in the recently enacted property tax reduction and any future legislation that reduces property taxes
  • Support a legislative solution for support from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for programs to address the housing needs of people with disabilities
• Education
  • Oppose Public School Vouchers or any similar program
  • Participation of Students with Disabilities in Graduation Ceremonies with their Same-age Peers
  • Discipline of Students with Disabilities
• Employment
  • Independent Living Centers
  • Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Vocational Rehabilitation program
  • Improving Employment Programs for Texans with Disabilities
  • Address Barriers to Public Transportation
  • Funding for Assistance with Relocation from Institutions
  • Workforce Issues for Personal Attendant Services
  • Employed Family Caregivers
• Health Care
  • Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Legislative Appropriations Request for FY 07 & 08
  • Children’s Mental Health Services within the Department of State Health Services (DHSH)
  • Mental Health Services and Initiatives for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System