FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2026
512-463-0121
AUSTIN, TX – Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) has been named a Legislative Champion by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD). The recognition honors her work during the 89th Texas Legislature to support Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is one of 11 honorees this year.
“Thanks to TCDD for this recognition,” Dean Senator Zaffirini said. “Supporting persons with disabilities has been, and will continue to be, one of my highest legislative priorities.”
Her disability-related legislation recognized by TCDD includes her Senate Bill (SB) 57, sponsored by Rep. Mary González (D-San Elizario), which requires school emergency plans to account for students with disabilities; and SB 66, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano), which allows persons with supportive decision-making agreements to use a supporter, at their own expense, in criminal and civil legal proceedings.
She also was the Senate sponsor of House Bill (HB) 1041 by Rep. Chris Turner (D-Arlington), which prohibits paid caregivers from being named life insurance beneficiaries for persons under their care unless related by blood, adoption or marriage; and HB 1188 by Rep. Christian Manuel (D-Nederland), which requires schools to inform parents of students with intellectual or developmental disabilities about services offered by their Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority.
“Persons with intellectual disabilities have been my priority since I was the 15-year-old president of Laredo’s All-City Student Council,” the Dean Senator said. “Fermin de la Garza, president of a parents organization, asked me then to raise money for their educational programs. I organized fundraisers at local junior high and high schools citywide. They captured my heart, and I have carried their banner since, not only in the Legislature, but also working as their volunteer teacher and raising funds for them through the Laredo High Hope Volunteers.”
She added that as a 5-year-old first grader at St. Peter’s Elementary School she joined the March of Dimes in response to schoolmates who had polio: “My passion for helping persons with disabilities is a lifelong understanding of their critical needs.”
Dean Senator Zaffirini passed a record-breaking 135 bills in the 89th Texas Legislature’s Regular Session, making her the highest bill-passing legislator for six consecutive sessions. She also holds a state and national record of having cast 76,843 consecutive votes and passing 1,524 bills, making her the highest bill-passer in the history of the State of Texas.
A communication specialist, businesswoman and former educator, she has won more than 1,300 awards and honors for her legislative, professional and civic accomplishments, including more than 600 state and national awards in communication.
Dean Senator Zaffirini is the namesake of a courthouse in Webb County, student success center and medal for leadership and scholarship at Texas A&M International University, library at Laredo College, elementary school at United ISD, park and soccer mini-pitch in Laredo, road at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, hospital suite in Austin and several endowed scholarships and grants. She is featured in 25 books and referenced in 22.
Photo Credit: Texas Senate Media Services
Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini presents a bill in the Texas Senate during the 89th Texas Legislature’s First Special Session.
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