Bill > S2457

This bill, known as Katie's Law, primarily aims to update terminology related to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities by replacing outdated and offensive language like "mentally retarded" with more respectful and accurate terms such as "intellectual or developmental disability" or "person with an intellectual disability" across various sections of Massachusetts General Laws. It also clarifies that the evaluation or denial of services for an intellectual disability should not be based solely on intelligence quotient (IQ) testing or educational testing, and in cases where services are denied, further evaluations including in-person interviews, observations, and testimony from teachers or supervisors must be considered before a final decision. Additionally, the bill introduces a definition for "Disability" and "Major life activities" to provide a broader understanding of impairments that substantially limit daily functioning, and it renames Chapter 123B of the General Laws to "Developmental Disabilities."