Texas House Bill HB607

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the State Supported Living Center Realignment Commission.

Impact

The bill introduces a formal mechanism for evaluating and managing state supported living centers, which have faced various criticisms regarding their efficiency and capacity. Under HB607, the commission will analyze factors such as the geographical distribution of facilities, the condition of existing structures, and the administrative costs involved. Furthermore, the commission will make determinations on whether some centers may be closed or merged based on their findings. This could significantly impact the availability of resources and accommodations for individuals receiving state support.

Summary

House Bill 607 establishes the State Supported Living Center Realignment Commission, which aims to evaluate and provide recommendations for the operation and management of state supported living centers in Texas. This commission is independent and will function with administrative support from the Health and Human Services Commission. It is mandated to assess the current conditions of various centers and propose necessary actions concerning their consolidation or closure, thereby potentially reshaping the landscape of state-supported facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Contention

A notable point of contention may arise from the proposed consolidation or closure of facilities, as stakeholders argue about the ramifications on care quality and availability. There are concerns that consolidating centers could lead to inadequate support for residents who rely on specific services. Additionally, the bill specifies a moratorium on new admissions to centers identified for downsizing or closure, which may raise further debates on the timing and execution of these changes. Stakeholders could be divided between those advocating for more centralized management and those who want to retain regional capabilities to serve varying communities' specific needs.