HB 653 (Allison) is a dangerous bill that could strip protections from children with disabilities as they become legal adults at age 18. Under this bill, those with intellectual disabilities may be placed in a permanent guardianship without due process. Those with intellectual disabilities may become persons under a guardianship. Texas has protections in place for these young people.

HB 653 would nullify most of these protections for kids who had been under the care of their parents. Among the practices in law that would be removed include:

• Independent investigations in the guardianship application.
• Information and recommendations on the least restrictive alternative for the person.
• Elimination of the current practices of annual reports to the court and annual review of the guardianship.

Rep. Allison is responding to a family in his district that judges themselves to be complete, caring parents over their son’s childhood and should therefore not have to deal with applications, modest court costs, reporting or even having an independent investigation. If passed, the bill would apply statewide.

If passed, the bill would forfeit protections for the many for the preferences of the few.

HB 653 has passed the House and has been referred to the Jurisprudence Committee in the Senate. Supporters of this bill have mobilized, and legislators need to hear the other side of the story! Tell the members of Senate Jurisprudence to oppose HB 653.