Texas Senate Bill SB2251

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment of a pilot program to create additional housing for certain individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability through a Medicaid waiver program.

Impact

The bill mandates that the pilot program run for ten years and provide housing for no fewer than 100 individuals. Funding for the program will primarily come from general obligation bonds issued by the Texas Public Finance Authority. This infusion of resources is aimed at reducing the burden on state-supported living centers, addressing a longstanding challenge in providing adequate housing solutions for individuals with disabilities in Texas.

Summary

Senate Bill 2251 establishes a pilot program aimed at creating additional housing for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities through the Medicaid waiver program. The bill proposes that a community non-profit corporation, which has served at least 300 individuals with such disabilities for a minimum of ten years, will be responsible for the establishment and operation of this housing. The program is designed to enhance the living conditions for these individuals, moving them out of state-supported living centers and fostering community-based services instead.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB2251 may hinge on its reliance on the approval of a constitutional amendment proposed during the 86th Legislature. The pilot program's implementation is contingent upon voter approval of this amendment, without which the bill will hold no effect. This establishes a layer of uncertainty regarding the future of housing initiatives for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, as successful passage by the voters is uncertain.