The bill seeks to update the language in various chapters of the General Laws to reflect more respectful and contemporary terminology for individuals with disabilities. It replaces outdated terms such as "mentally retarded minors" with "minors with intellectual or developmental disabilities" and makes similar updates across provisions related to education, transportation, and approved centers for such individuals. The bill also revises definitions related to abuse in healthcare facilities, specifying what constitutes abuse, mistreatment, and neglect, and updates the language to refer to persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Additionally, it outlines the roles of different departments in cases of abuse, the definition of a facility, and the responsibilities of high managerial agents.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new sections and removes outdated ones, such as the entire Chapter 40.1-8 entitled "Governor’s Committee on Mental Retardation." It inserts new sections that likely address the terms of appointment for committee members, the appointment of officers and employees, meeting schedules, compensation, the purpose of the committee, and the authority to receive gifts. The definition of "community residence" is updated, and the term "developmentally disabled adult" is replaced with "adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities." The bill also clarifies the definition of an "adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities" for the purposes of funding and service implementation. It emphasizes the importance of using respectful language and provides clear definitions for the treatment and protection of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Statutes affected:
722  SUB B: 23-74-4, 31-6-6, 33-5-4, 34-4-25
722  SUB A: 23-74-4, 31-6-6, 33-5-4, 34-4-25
722: 23-74-4, 31-6-6, 33-5-4, 34-4-25