Bill > S50

This bill aims to eliminate archaic language pertaining to individuals with disabilities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Replacing the terms "mentally retarded" and "mental retardation" with more respectful and inclusive language such as "intellectual or developmental disability" throughout various chapters of Massachusetts law. 2. Providing updated definitions for terms like "disability" and "major life activities" to align with federal laws and standards. 3. Updating references to individuals with disabilities in various contexts, including employment, benefits, public facilities, and criminal justice, to use person-first and non-discriminatory language. 4. Renaming Chapter 123B of the General Laws from "Mental Retardation" to "Developmental Disabilities" to reflect the preferred terminology. The overall goal of this bill is to remove outdated and stigmatizing language from Massachusetts statutes and replace it with terminology that is more respectful, accurate, and reflective of the experiences of individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S50