Cited from Start-Telegram.com

Bill to improve surveillance at Texas institutions moves forward
By DAVE MONTGOMERY dmontgomery@star-telegram.com

AUSTIN — Sen. Jane Nelson’s legislation to toughen protections of residents at state institutions for elderly and mentally retarded people advanced to the Senate floor Tuesday after a hearing in Nelson’s Health and Human Services Committee.

Nelson, R-Flower Mound, who represents part of Tarrant County, opened the hearing by outlining the bill as a measure that would protect "our most vulnerable citizens" and "strengthen oversight" of so-called state schools after allegations of abuse and neglect. Gov. Rick Perry has designated her bill as emergency legislation to help speed it through the Legislature.

The bill, she said, would ensure that allegations of improper treatment are dealt with "swiftly, aggressively and independently."

The committee voted 5-0 to send the measure to the floor.

The bill would require the Department of Aging and Disability Services to post surveillance cameras in each state school and perform background checks and fingerprint and drug tests on employees. It would also designate an ombudsman to audit state schools and serve as a confidential intermediary for parents, clients and guardians.

Witnesses generally supported the bill, although some recommended improvements. Some groups are also calling for a moratorium on attendance and closure of the schools, which house 4,673 residents.

"Any safeguards for the schools are generally welcomed by the families," said Susan Payne of College Station, whose sister lives at the Denton State School. Ruth Snyder, whose daughter lives in the Austin State School, called it a good bill that would improve conditions in the schools, although she said her daughter has "by and large" had good care.

But another witness, Karen Yeaman of San Antonio, told committee members of a 17-year-old friend of her son who was subjected to profanity and other rude treatment from staff members. "You have hoodlums taking care of these kids," Yeaman said.

Nelson told Yeaman that the alleged behavior is "exactly what we’re trying to get to."

Nelson cited a 30 percent turnover rate among department employees. The Justice Department, in a report in December, confirmed 450 cases of abuse and neglect, including 53 deaths, she said.