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Judge Approves Settlement Removing “Most Integrated Setting” Language

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 6:43 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Judge James W. Hendrix approved settlement removing community-integration language from HHS Section 504 regulations.
The settlement, signed by Texas, Alaska, Florida, Louisiana and Montana, was finalized in late August 2026.
The Justice Department’s June opinion said Section 504 and the ADA do not require a “most integrated setting” mandate.
Disability advocates warn the rule change could allow states to institutionalize people with disabilities.

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Story summary

Judge James W. Hendrix approved settlement removing community-integration language from HHS Section 504 regulations.
The settlement, signed by Texas, Alaska, Florida, Louisiana and Montana, was finalized in late August 2026.
The Justice Department’s June opinion said Section 504 and the ADA do not require a “most integrated setting” mandate.
Disability advocates warn the rule change could allow states to institutionalize people with disabilities.