The Arc of Texas Supports Strengthening Hiring Standards for Texas Juvenile Justice System

Verbal Testimony on HB 3276

Chairman Cook and Members of the Committee,

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on House Bill 3276. My name is Kate Stoops, and I am the Public Policy & Advocacy Assistant for The Arc of Texas, an organization that advocates for the rights of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The Arc of Texas supports HB 3276, particularly its focus on strengthening employee eligibility requirements for facilities within the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). We believe this bill aligns with the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Justice and addresses the urgent need to protect children with disabilities in these facilities.

Children with disabilities in TJJD facilities are especially vulnerable to abuse and misconduct by staff. These children often lack the ability to fully advocate for themselves, making heightened scrutiny of potential employees essential to ensuring their safety and well-being. By enforcing stricter hiring standards, we can help prevent abuse and ensure that only qualified, compassionate individuals are entrusted with the care of these vulnerable children.

We thank Representative Noble for her continued support of children with disabilities and for her leadership on this important issue. We also appreciate the committee’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of these children and look forward to the positive impact of HB 3276.