Bill > HB522

This bill modernizes terminology used to refer to persons with disabilities, mental illnesses, and other conditions across numerous sections of Mississippi state law. The bill systematically replaces outdated and potentially demeaning terms like "handicapped," "crippled," "mentally ill," and "mentally retarded" with more person-first and respectful language such as "persons with disabilities," "persons with physical disabilities," and "persons with mental illness." Specifically, the bill amends over 60 different sections of the Mississippi Code to update terminology, ensuring that language used in state laws reflects a more dignified and inclusive approach to describing individuals with various physical, mental, and developmental conditions. The changes are primarily linguistic, designed to remove terms that might be considered stigmatizing or derogatory, while maintaining the substantive legal provisions of the existing statutes. The bill reflects a growing recognition that the language used to describe people with disabilities can significantly impact societal attitudes and perceptions. The amendments cover a wide range of contexts, including healthcare, education, employment, housing, hunting regulations, and workers' compensation. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing state agencies and institutions time to update their documentation and practices accordingly.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0522.xml