Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed legislation Thursday to improve conditions at that state’s troubled institutions for people with disabilities.
The emergency legislation comes following the discovery of a “fight club” at one facility and a threat by the U.S. Department of Justice to sue Texas over conditions at its 13 institutions for people with disabilities.
The new legislation will require surveillance cameras to be installed in common areas and background checks and drug testing for employees. Further, the state will appoint an assistant commissioner to oversee the facilities and create an ombudsman’s office with a hotline for people to report misconduct. Employees who do abuse or neglect residents will face stiffer penalties.
Under the legislation, the institutions, which have been known as state schools, will now be called state supported living centers.
————
Previous stories on this topic:
Texas Strikes Deal With Feds To Make Changes At Institutions (May 22, 2009)
Alleged “Fight Club” Uncovered At Texas Institution (March 10, 2009)
House Of Horrors: Texas Institutions Deplorable (December 4, 2008)
More in Politics »
Copyright © 2009 Disability Scoop, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated and will not appear until they are approved. All comments must be in compliance with the DisabilityScoop.com Terms and Conditions. Please stay on-topic, keep your comments brief and refrain from inserting links or using abusive language.
You must be logged in to post a comment. Click here to login or register.
Like on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
RSS Feed