HR 6163 United States House · 118th Congress

Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act

This bill updates legal terminology in District of Columbia court codes to replace outdated and potentially stigmatizing terms. It specifically replaces "substantially retarded persons" and similar phrases with "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities" in three sections covering U.S. District Court, Superior Court, and Family Court jurisdiction. The change directly affects how DC courts formally reference individuals in legal contexts, aligning terminology with current standards. It is a purely procedural update to court codes with no new policy or funding provisions. The bill does not alter eligibility, rights, or court procedures - only the language used in the legal text.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Nov 1, 2023 Last action Nov 1, 2023