The Fulshear City Council meeting on June 17, 2025, celebrated a significant legislative achievement with the proclamation of "Caitlin Hanley Act Day." This recognition honors the efforts of Carrie and Boyd Hanley, who advocated for improved services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Texas.

During the meeting, Mayor Don McCoy highlighted the Hanley family's journey, which began in 2008 when they discovered the lengthy wait times for Medicaid services, often exceeding ten years for adults with disabilities. Their advocacy led to the introduction and passage of House Bill 1188 during the 89th Texas Legislature, now known as the Caitlin Hanley Act. This legislation ensures that families are referred to local IDD authorities immediately upon diagnosis, rather than waiting until the age of 14, which was the previous requirement.

The act aims to eliminate gaps in the disability support system, providing families with timely information and resources to better prepare for their loved ones' futures. Caitlin Hanley, the daughter of the Hanley family, played a pivotal role in this advocacy by sharing her personal testimony before the House Public Education Committee, which helped garner support for the bill.

In his proclamation, Mayor McCoy encouraged all citizens to recognize the importance of access and advocacy for individuals with IDD, celebrating the Hanley family's dedication and the impact of the new legislation on many families in Texas. The meeting concluded with a round of applause for Caitlin and her family, marking a momentous occasion in Fulshear's commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities.