H 160 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities

This bill amends Massachusetts state laws to update terminology regarding individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Its primary function is to replace outdated terms like "handicapped persons" and "autistic" with modern, person-first language such as "persons with disabilities" and "individuals with disabilities." These changes affect various sections of Chapter 6 of the General Laws, which cover topics including employment weeks and general definitions used across state regulations. By standardizing this language, the legislation ensures that official documents and statutes reflect current respectful terminology without altering the substantive rights or programs available to these individuals.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Feb 15, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
lower
0 primary · 34 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.