Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini Honored as Legislative Champion for Disability Advocacy

Zaffirini recognized for her work supporting Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini has been named a Legislative Champion by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities for her work during the 89th Legislature supporting Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Zaffirini has made supporting people with disabilities one of her highest legislative priorities throughout her career, dating back to her teenage years organizing fundraisers in Laredo.

Why it matters

Zaffirini's advocacy and legislative efforts have helped ensure that the needs of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities are addressed, including through measures to improve emergency planning in schools and expand legal protections. Her recognition as a Legislative Champion highlights the importance of having strong political champions for disability rights and services.

The details

Among the legislation cited by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities that Zaffirini sponsored are Senate Bill 57, which requires school emergency plans to account for students with disabilities, and Senate Bill 66, which allows people with supportive decision-making agreements to use a supporter at their own expense in criminal and civil legal proceedings. Zaffirini also sponsored House Bill 1041, which bars paid caregivers from being named life insurance beneficiaries for people under their care unless they are related, and House Bill 1188, which requires schools to inform parents of students with intellectual or developmental disabilities about available services.

  • Zaffirini has been advocating for people with disabilities since her teenage years in Laredo, when she organized fundraisers for educational programs.
  • During the 89th Legislature's regular session, Zaffirini passed a record 135 bills, making her the highest bill-passing legislator for the sixth consecutive session.

The players

Judith Zaffirini

A Texas State Senator who has been recognized as a Legislative Champion by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities for her work supporting Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

An organization that recognized Zaffirini as a Legislative Champion for her advocacy and legislative efforts on behalf of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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What they’re saying

“Supporting persons with disabilities has been, and will continue to be, one of my highest legislative priorities.”

— Judith Zaffirini, Texas State Senator (lmtonline.com)

“Persons with intellectual disabilities have been my priority since I was the 15-year-old president of Laredo's All-City Student Council.”

— Judith Zaffirini, Texas State Senator (lmtonline.com)

What’s next

Zaffirini's continued advocacy and legislative efforts are expected to focus on further improving services and protections for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The takeaway

Zaffirini's recognition as a Legislative Champion for her disability advocacy highlights the importance of having strong political leaders who make supporting the rights and needs of people with disabilities a top priority. Her longstanding commitment to this cause, dating back to her teenage years, demonstrates the lasting impact that dedicated public servants can have on improving the lives of vulnerable populations.