On September 23, 2026, a federal judge signed a final order in Texas v. Kennedy removing several parts of the 2024 Section 504 rule related to community living. The case is now closed. The court’s decision applies across the country.
What happened?
The 2024 Section 504 rule included requirements meant to help ensure that people with disabilities can receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. This includes receiving services in their homes and communities when appropriate, instead of being unnecessarily separated from their communities in institutions or other settings.
In August, the U.S. Department of Justice, acting on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services, joined the states in asking the court to remove those community integration requirements from the rule.
On September 23, the judge approved that request. As a result, several parts of the 2024 Section 504 rule about community integration were removed. This change applies everywhere in the country. The case is now closed.
What does this mean?
The 2024 rule gave health care providers, service systems, government agencies, and people with disabilities clearer guidance about the right to receive services in community settings when appropriate. Removing those parts of the rule may affect how those protections are explained and enforced.
What did not change?
This ruling did not remove all protections for community living. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is still the law. The Americans with Disabilities Act is still the law. The Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision also remains in place. The court did not rule that Section 504 or the right to community living is unconstitutional.
The court’s order removes one part of the 2024 Section 504 rules, but important rights to live and receive services in the community remain in place. Disability Rights Texas remains committed to protecting the right of people with disabilities to live, receive services, work, and participate in our communities.
Our thanks to Disability Rights Florida for their collaboration in producing this message.