Texas Senate Sends State Schools Reforms To Perry

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Shortly after Texas lawmakers voted to boost security and oversight of institutions for the mentally disabled, an advocacy group said the state schools are beyond repair. Jeff Garrison-Tate of the advocacy group Community Now! says the facilities have created an environment and culture that breeds abuse and neglect. He says Texas should develop a plan to get people out of the facilities. The state facilities have been hit with allegations of widespread abuse and neglect, including fights between residents staged by workers. The unanimous vote in the state Senate today sends the bill to Gov. Rick Perry. If signed into law, the state will install video surveillance in common areas and give new powers to the state Office of Inspector General to help local prosecutors pursue cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Staff would be subject to drug tests and criminal background checks. The bill also renames the institutions as "state schools" as "state supported living centers." The homes will no longer be allowed to investigate claims of abuse and neglect at their facilities. That job now reverts to the state. Texas has nearly 5,000 residents at the state's 13 state schools. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)