More than 100 congressional lawmakers have launched an inquiry into a controversial Justice Department legal opinion that makes it easier for states to institutionalize individuals with mental illnesses rather than funding community-based care. Written by the Office of Legal Counsel, the non-binding opinion reinterprets a landmark 1999 Supreme Court ruling by asserting that states are not legally obligated to integrate mentally disabled patients into home or community care settings. In a formal letter to Justice Department leadership, lawmakers requested that the opinion be rescinded and demanded full transparency regarding all officials, administration advisers, and outside groups involved in drafting or influencing it. While the Department of Justice confirmed it is reviewing the request, civil rights advocates warn that weakening the integration mandate could significantly increase institutionalization rates and undermine long-standing disability rights protections.

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