local
States aren't required to provide community-based care for people with disabilities, new DOJ opinion claims
By Sarah N. Lynch at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW
· June 18, 2026
· 4 min read
The Justice Department released a new legal opinion Thursday that civil rights experts said represents a significant attack against people with mental, physical and intellectual disabilities who receive state-funded services.The Office of Legal Counsel opinion said states are not actually require...
Key takeaway The OLC opinion, authored by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Lanora Pettit and posted on the DOJ's website, reinterprets a long-standing Supreme Court case that has served as a cornerstone of America's disability rights law.
Why this matters in Southlake News
In Southlake , the Justice Department's new opinion on community-based care for people with disabilities has significant implications for local residents who rely on state-funded services. The reinterpretation of the Olmstead decision could lead to a shift away from home-based care and towards institutionalization, affecting families and individuals who have come to depend on these services. This change could also impact local schools, which may see an increase in students with disabilities who are no longer able to receive support in their communities. As the city's residents and leaders consider the potential consequences of this opinion, they will likely be watching to see how Texas state officials respond and whether they will continue to prioritize community-based care for people with disabilities. The potential consequences for Southlake's disability community make it crucial for local advocates and policymakers to engage with state and federal officials on this issue.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Southlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Justice Department released a new legal opinion Thursday that civil rights experts said represents a significant attack against people with mental, physical and intellectual disabilities who receive state-funded services.The Office of Legal Counsel opinion said states are not actually require...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sarah N. Lynch at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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