Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

May 20, 2009

~ SB 643 Makes Client Safety A Priority At State Schools ~

AUSTIN- Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr applauded the Texas House of Representatives today for approving Senate Bill 643, which would reforms Texas' state schools for people with developmental disabilities.

"This legislation is long overdue," Ortiz said. "By passing SB 643, the House of Representatives has affirmed its commitment to protecting people with developmental disabilities who are in the state's care."

Rep. Ortiz, a sponsor of SB 643, said the bill implements new accountability and security measures to protect state school residents from abuse and neglect.

Key provisions of SB 643:

* State schools name change to "state-supported living centers"
* Video surveillance in common areas
* Enhanced criminal background checks & fingerprinting for employees
* Random drug testing for employees
* Improved training for new employees
* Forensic facility for high risk alleged offender residents in Mexia, Texas
* Creates Office of Independent Ombudsman to protect client rights
* Independent mortality review system

"These reforms will go a long way to improving conditions at state schools," Ortiz said. "We cannot tolerate further abuse and neglect at these facilities."

Rep. Ortiz is a member of a Legislative Study Group (LSG) committee that issued a report calling for reform of the state schools after a field hearing in Corpus Christi in 2007. The LSG's actions were followed by a wide ranging investigation by the Department of Justice into conditions at the state schools. That agency's report can be accessed here.

Ortiz represents District 33, which includes part of Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi. Ortiz encourages constituents to contact his office on this or any issue of interest at (512) 463-0484, email him at district33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.us or visit the Texas House of Representatives web site at www.house.state.tx.us.