Abuse allegations at a state-run facility are getting the attention of state lawmakers.

The recent federal investigations at Beatrice State Developmental Center prompted a legislative hearing Thursday. BSDC is a state-run, 24-hour care facility for people with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. A committee could be created to look into the federal investigations.

There are pages of documented violations at Beatrice State Developmental Center. Richard Ellis, a member of Adapt Nebraska, said this is why BSDC and centers like it should be shut down.

"We've got 18 months of citations from the Federal Government. That is testament to no, they aren't good," said Richard Ellis, Adapt Nebraska.

State Sen. Mike Flood wants a committee to look into the Federal Government's findings and decide the center's future.

"The Justice Department's findings can only be described as shocking and troubling. The report details violations of human rights that should not be tolerated in any society, much less in a state facility," said Sen. Mike Flood, Norfolk.

BSDC is a 24-hour facility for people with developmental disabilities. The committee would review the center's quality of care and staffing levels.

John Wyvill with the Department of Health and Human Services supports the proposal. "We welcome the legislature's input. The challenges in the developmental disabilities' community involve the entire community and all of us working together," Wyvill said.

Changes are already in the works in response to recent criticism.

"We are always taking steps to enhance the safety at BSDC, and the validation of our efforts is the friends and family of BSDC are saying that the place is safe," he said.

If the committee is created, it will ultimately decide if these changes are enough.

"It is clear the facility has reached a critical point in its ability to care for and protect its residents. It's time for the legislature as an independent and co-equal partner to take ownership in this problem," Flood said.

Flood's proposal now heads to the floor for full legislative debate. He said regardless of the short session, lawmakers will address the issue before the legislature adjourns.