TX
Texas House Bill HCR22

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HCR22

Introduced
1/26/09  
Refer
2/18/09  
Report Pass
4/2/09  
Engrossed
5/19/09  
Refer
5/21/09  
Report Pass
5/23/09  
Enrolled
5/30/09  

Caption

Granting the Chishty family permission to sue the State of Texas, the Department of Aging and Disability Services, and the Denton State School.

Impact

The bill distinctly poses implications for the accountability of state-run institutions concerning the welfare of individuals with disabilities. By permitting the Chishty family to file a lawsuit, it sets a precedent for holding government entities liable when they fail to protect vulnerable populations. This may encourage similar claims from other families facing neglect or abuse, thereby bringing attention to the overall conditions of care facilities. This bill could prompt legislative reviews of protocols regarding the hiring, retaining, and monitoring of care aides within these institutions, encouraging reforms to prevent future occurrences.

Summary

HCR22 is a concurrent resolution that grants immunity to the Chishty family, allowing them to sue the State of Texas, the Department of Aging and Disability Services, and the Denton State School. The resolution surfaces from serious allegations surrounding the treatment of their son, Haseeb Chishty, a disabled resident at the Denton State School. The allegations include physical abuse by a direct care aide, Kevin Miller, and a failure on the part of the State and the Department to ensure the safety of Haseeb while under their care. Significant instances of negligence and prior knowledge of inappropriate behaviors by care aides are highlighted in the resolution, which led to life-threatening injuries for the Chishty family member.

Contention

There may be concerns regarding potential financial liabilities the state might incur if similar permissions are granted broadly. The resolution symbolizes a critical intersection of government responsibility and individual rights, where the balance must be maintained to ensure both protection for vulnerable individuals and financial sustainability for state services. The highlighted issues underscore the tensions between administrative oversight and on-the-ground conditions faced by residents in state care, inviting a discussion about the adequacy of existing policies and safeguards within state institutions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SCR12

Granting the victims of the Robb Elementary attack permission to sue the State of Texas.

TX SB24

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB446

Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to intellectual disability and certain references to abolished health and human services agencies.

TX SB332

Relating to the terminology used in statute to refer to intellectual disability and certain references to abolished health and human services agencies.

TX HB272

Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.

TX HB4049

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB3474

Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures regarding proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including the service of process and delivery of documents related to the proceedings, the administration of oaths, and the management of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and the composition of certain juvenile boards; establishing a civil penalty; increasing certain court costs; authorizing fees.

TX HB211

Relating to the regulation of child-care facilities and registered family homes, including the provision of services to children with disabilities or special needs.

TX HCR115

Directing the governor of the State of Texas to posthumously award the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Master Sergeant Mike C. Pea.

TX SB1727

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, the functions of the office of independent ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the powers and duties of the office of inspector general of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.