Update (July 15, 2026): Advocacy is changing the course of Texas v. Kennedy. Indiana withdrew first after months of advocacy from The Arc of Indiana. Kansas followed, after sustained pressure from disability advocates across the state, including The Arc of Douglas County. Now, Missouri has informed advocates it will withdraw after months of pressure from St. Louis Arc, The Arc of the Ozarks, and more than 45 agencies across the state. South Dakota has also withdrawn. Louisiana and Montana aren’t listed on the latest filing, though they haven’t made formal public announcements.

Only three states remain in the case: Alaska, Florida, and Texas.

Texas v. Kennedy is a lawsuit that targets Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 requires that any program or service supported with federal funding be accessible to people with disabilities. This case focuses on the rights of people with disabilities who want to live and get government-financed services in the community instead of being limited to receiving these services in a nursing home or other institutions.

This case has real stakes for millions of people with disabilities. It could weaken protections people rely on to stay in the community with the services they need.

Across these states, The Arc’s chapters are doing what they have always done best. They’re organizing, showing up, and refusing to let this happen quietly.

Texas: Making the stakes impossible to ignore

The Arc of Texas has pushed this fight into public view. They sent a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asking Texas to withdraw, and issued a press release and an action alert urging calls and emails. They also produced a short video to drive public awareness and action.

It’s breaking through. Their work has generated coverage in NPR’s KERA News and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Even more importantly, the Attorney General’s office received a significant surge of calls and emails from The Arc’s advocates, so much so that the phone line was intermittently disconnected. They’re asking advocates to keep going and not be silenced! They’re also working in partnership with Texas Advocates to elevate the perspectives of people with disabilities through new videos on why community living matters.

Indiana: A win powered by advocacy

Indiana is no longer part of this lawsuit, and that didn’t happen by accident.

The Arc of Indiana spent months pushing Indiana to back out, including direct conversations with Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and his team about what this case could mean for people with disabilities who rely on community-based services and civil rights protections.

On May 4, 2026, The Arc of Indiana announced that Attorney General Rokita has decided to withdraw Indiana from Texas v. Kennedy. This is exactly what strong grassroots advocacy can do: move a state from being part of the problem to protecting rights.

Kansas: Another state withdraws after disability advocates push back

On June 10, 2026, Kansas withdrew from Texas v. Kennedy, another major sign that public pressure can change the course of this lawsuit. The Arc of Douglas County joined more than 20 Kansas disability organizations in urging Attorney General Kris Kobach to withdraw the state from the case. In a coalition letter, advocates made clear that Kansas’ participation threatened people with disabilities and community-based services. Kansas’ withdrawal shows what happens when disability advocates stay organized and keep the pressure on.

Louisiana: Coalition pressure and continued accountability

The Arc of Louisiana helped build early pressure in the state by convening a coalition, creating a fact sheet, and sharing it widely with legislators, advocacy partners, and the public. They also pressed Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office directly, including following up after Louisiana rejoined the lawsuit.

Louisiana hasn’t made a formal public announcement, but the state is no longer listed on the latest filing in Texas v. Kennedy. That reflects the growing pressure from disability advocates who have made clear that attacking Section 504 and the integration mandate puts people with disabilities at risk.

Missouri: Chapters helped turn pressure into action

Missouri is the latest state to move away from Texas v. Kennedy, after months of advocacy from disability organizations across the state.

St. Louis Arc helped drive public pressure through direct outreach and an action campaign urging Missouri to withdraw. The Arc of the Ozarks was also deeply involved, pushing for answers, raising concerns with state leaders and partners, and working through legislative relationships to keep the issue moving. On July 14, 2026, more than 45 agencies, including chapters of The Arc, signed a letter urging Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway to withdraw. That same day the letter was delivered, advocates were informed Missouri would drop out of the case.

This is what organized advocacy can do. Chapters, providers, families, and disability advocates kept the pressure on until the state changed course.

Alaska and Florida: Building the groundwork

The Arc of Anchorage is working with Alaska’s disability community to coordinate a stronger response. They partnered with the Developmental Disabilities Association, the Disability Law Center of Alaska, and other stakeholders for a planning session, and they’ve reached out to Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox while continuing follow-up to secure a meeting.

The Arc of Florida is pushing for answers at stage agencies.

What you can do right now

If you live in one of the three states still pushing this lawsuit, your call matters.

Call your state Attorney General and say: “Withdraw [STATE] from Texas v. Kennedy. People with disabilities should be able to live in the community with the supports that make life possible, and [STATE] should not be part of a lawsuit that puts that at risk.”

Then take one more step:

• Ask two people in your state to call too.
• Share this blog and tag your Attorney General’s office.

This is how change happens. Public pressure creates consequences, and it changes decisions. Help us protect rights that should never be treated as negotiable.