Frankfort, Kentucky – Governor Patton has signed legislation which encourages the development of a self-determination model for people with disabilities. House Bill 501 directs the Commission on Services and Supports for Individuals with Mental Retardation and Other Developmental Disabilities to make recommendations for such a model. The recommendations will be submitted to the Department of Medicaid Services.
House Bill 501 is also known as the "Kevin Webb and Kim Brown Self-Determination Act." Webb and Brown testified before the legislature about the need for self-determination programs for individuals with mental retardation or Down's Syndrome. Sponsors of the bill were Republicans Steve Nunn of Glasgow and Scott Brinkman of Louisville, and Democrats Tom Riner of Louisville and Brandon Smith of Hazard.