Justice Department announces end to oversight after Texas completes disability facility reforms

The Justice Department and the State of Texas have jointly requested a federal district court to dismiss a longstanding case concerning reforms at thirteen state-operated facilities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). The Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department announced that Texas has fulfilled requirements set by a consent decree, which mandated protections for residents from harm, improved clinical care and education, and increased services in integrated settings.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “We commend Texas for its tremendous progress in implementing this decree and its commitment to upholding the federal rights of people with intellectual disabilities living in state care. We recognize and appreciate the dedication of the staff and leaders of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission who have transformed the state centers to protect the rights of all Americans — even some of the most vulnerable.”

The case originated from an investigation into Lubbock State School in 2005, later expanded to include twelve additional state-run centers between 2008 and 2009. In June 2009, both parties entered into a consent decree approved by the court. The decree was modified in September 2021 with court approval. Over recent years, Texas worked alongside the Civil Rights Division to fulfill all requirements under the decree. An Independent Reviewer verified that extensive improvements were made at these facilities.