House Resolution 54EX
By: Representatives Sanchez of the 42nd, Gisler of the 121st, Berry of the 56th, Tran of the
80th, Drenner of the 85th, and others
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the anniversary of the Unites States Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and the
courage of its plaintiffs; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court decided in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581
(1999), that states are required to place individuals with mental disabilities in community
settings, rather than institutions, when treatment professionals determine such placement is
appropriate, the individual consents, and such placement can reasonably be accommodated;
and
WHEREAS, as a result of the decision, the State of Georgia released lead plaintiff Lois
Curtis into community care, and she lived happily for over 20 years outside of institutional
confinement; and
WHEREAS, June 22, 2026, will be the 27th anniversary of the Olmstead decision; and
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is currently working to improve compliance with the
Olmstead decision pursuant to a consent decree with the United States Department of Justice;
and
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WHEREAS, fellow plaintiff Elaine Wilson passed away on December 4, 2005; and
WHEREAS, Lois Curtis passed away on November 3, 2022, from pancreatic cancer; and
WHEREAS, the advocacy of Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson secured an important legal
standard for enforcing the rights of individuals with mental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, on June 18, 2026, the United States Department of Justice released a memo
claiming that the Olmstead decision has increased homelessness and does not impose an
integration mandate; and
WHEREAS, the members of this body wish to express the strongest disapproval of this
memo, which legal experts do not believe to be enforceable.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body honor the courage and memory of Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body express their continued will
to improve disability rights in Georgia in accordance with the Olmstead decision.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body condemn attacks on the
Olmstead decision and the framework it lays out for improving disability rights.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
public and the press.
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