This bill seeks to modernize the language used in various sections of the General Laws by replacing outdated and potentially offensive terminology related to individuals with disabilities. Key amendments include changing terms such as "handicapped persons" to "persons with disabilities," "disabled veteran" to "veteran with a disability," and "mental retardation" to "intellectual or developmental disability." These changes are intended to promote a more respectful and inclusive understanding of disability, reflecting contemporary standards in legal language. The bill encompasses revisions across multiple chapters, including chapters 6, 7, 10, 15, 18, 19C, and others, ensuring that all references align with modern terminology.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "Persons with disabilities of low income," which outlines criteria for housing assistance eligibility based on disability status and income level. This definition clarifies that a history of substance use does not disqualify someone from being considered a person with a disability. The overall aim of the bill is to enhance the dignity and recognition of individuals with disabilities in legal texts and public discourse, fostering a more inclusive society.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 6-15F, 6A-16D, 6C-2, 6D-5, 7-4H, 7C-27, 8-9, 10-38, 15-15B, 15A-30, 15D-13, 18-2, 19-21, 19B-7, 19C-1, 21H-2, 22C-16, 23B-1, 23E-15, 29-2WWW, 30-9B, 31-16, 31A-1, 32-21, 32A-2, 33-88, 34-14B, 38-3, 40-4E, 40A-3, 40R-6, 41-98F, 54-86, 59-5, 60-3D, 64G-2, 64H-6, 69-1C, 71A-7, 71B-1, 74-22D, 75-2, 76-12B, 78-19E, 85-2, 90-2, 92-41, 92B-4, 93-82, 93B-6, 94-295CC, 111-4O, 111G-1, 112-23A, 118A-1, 118E-9D, 119-23, 120-14, 121A-10, 121B-1, 121E-2, 122-1, 123A-1, 123B-3, 127-133E, 130-17C, 131-13, 132A-2D, 149-30A, 151-1A, 151B-1, 152-1, 159-19A, 161A-5, 161B-5, 166-15E, 175-24, 176J-9, 184-23D, 186-17A, 188-1, 209-32, 211-25, 215-34, 221A-9, 224-16, 233-23E, 234A-4, 235-34, 239-9, 260-5B, 262-40, 265-13F, 266-123, 271-48, 272-98A, 273-23, 276-100E