The Arc of Texas Provides Input on Involuntary Commitments to State Supported Living Centers

Dear Chair Kolkhorst and members:

As a statewide membership organization, The Arc of Texas promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and self-determination of more than a half-million Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With their input and rights in mind, The Arc of Texas respectfully opposes Senate Bill 944, finding it unconstitutionally deprives individuals with intellectual disabilities (“ID”) of their due process rights when faced with involuntary commitment to a Texas State Supported Living Center (“SSLC”).

We appreciate your consideration of this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact The Arc of Texas for additional information or if we can be of service. In collaboration with 27 local chapters across the state, we work with Texans with IDD and their families to identify barriers to and solutions for quality community services and supports, access to civil rights and criminal justice, competitive integrated employment, and inclusive education.