The next regular session of the Texas Legislature is scheduled to begin on January 12, 2027, which is 274 days from today, April 13, 2026. Texas holds regular legislative sessions every two years, starting on the second Tuesday of January in odd-numbered years.

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Texas is currently facing a critical workforce shortage and extensive waitlists for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) services:

• Waitlists (Interest Lists): Most Medicaid waiver programs, such as Home and Community-based Services (HCS), are not entitlements and have significant interest lists. Some individuals wait 10 to 18 years before their names are reached.

• Workforce Crisis: Community-based providers are struggling with staffing shortages, leading to declining quality of care and instances where providers cannot accept new referrals. Advocacy groups have called for significant state investment—approximately $255 million for the 2026-2027 biennium—to increase wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

 

Advocacy is vital to shaping policy and securing funding for the IDD community. Effective ways to advocate include:

• Contacting Legislators: Share personal stories with state representatives and senators to emphasize the need for competitive wages for DSPs and waitlist reduction.

• Participating in Events: Attend local summits and walks to raise awareness and network with other advocates.

 

The time to act is now.  Between legislative sessions it the optimal time to advocate for IDD services by becoming involved and talking about the changes that are needed with all stakeholders throughout Texas.   Please use this information to start the change to higher quality of care in your immediate community.