The Arc of Texas Supports Establishing a Statewide IDD Coordinating Council

Verbal Testimony on HB 2807

Chairwoman Hull and Members of the Committee,

Thank you for the opportunity to testify in strong support of HB 2807, and thank you, Representative Rose, for championing this critical legislation. My name is Sabrina Gonzalez Saucedo, and I am the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for The Arc of Texas.

HB 2807 would establish a statewide IDD Coordinating Council to improve the delivery of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by creating a more strategic and collaborative approach across state agencies.

While Texas has made progress in supporting the over half a million Texans with IDD, accessing services remains a complex and frustrating process due to the number of agencies involved, each with its own requirements and procedures. This fragmentation creates confusion for individuals with IDD, their families, and even government officials working to administer these programs.

Every legislative session, we hear from constituents and advocacy groups about the hardships they face, whether it’s waiting over a decade on interest lists for home and community-based services or struggling to navigate the available supports. The Coordinating Council would work to alleviate these challenges by streamlining processes, increasing transparency, and ensuring services are delivered more efficiently and equitably across Texas.

HB 2807 builds on existing efforts by bringing together key stakeholders and agency leaders to create a unified, long-term strategy—much like the successful Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council. By fostering collaboration, improving interagency coordination, and aligning priorities, this council will enhance service delivery and provide clearer pathways to essential supports for people with IDD and their families.

The Arc of Texas supports HB 2807 because it will:

• Establish a structured, statewide approach to IDD services, improving coordination across multiple agencies.
• Strengthen data collection and transparency to track services, waitlists, and system improvements, helping both individuals and policymakers make informed decisions.
• Optimize state resources and funding to enhance the availability and quality of IDD services, ensuring Texans with IDD receive the best possible support.

Representative Rose, we appreciate your leadership and commitment to this issue and look forward to working together to ensure HB 2807 delivers meaningful, lasting improvements for Texans with IDD. Thank you for your time and consideration.