Bill > S2120

This bill aims to update language in multiple chapters of Massachusetts state law by replacing the term "hearing impaired" with more respectful and person-first terminology such as "deaf or hard of hearing" and in some instances just "hard of hearing". Specifically, the bill modifies nine different sections of Massachusetts state law across various chapters, including chapters related to state administration (Chapter 6), state employee benefits (Chapter 32A), state services (Chapter 129), anti-discrimination regulations (Chapter 151B), and insurance regulations (Chapters 175, 176A, 176B, and 176G). The changes are primarily cosmetic and do not alter the substantive legal provisions, but reflect a more contemporary and respectful approach to describing individuals with hearing disabilities by removing language that is now considered potentially stigmatizing. By using terms like "deaf" and "hard of hearing", the bill acknowledges the diversity of hearing conditions and promotes more inclusive language in official state documentation.