The bill amends Chapter 22-11 of the General Laws by introducing a new section, 22-11-3.6, which empowers the law revision director to prepare a bill for the 2027 legislative session. This forthcoming bill will replace the terms "elder" and "elderly person(s)" with "older adult(s)" throughout the general laws, and will also change references to "handicapped" and "disabled" in relation to elderly individuals to "adult person(s) with disabilities." However, certain exemptions are noted in subsection (b), where these changes will not apply if they conflict with existing government documents or could lead to confusion.

Additionally, the bill expands the membership of the Long-Term Care Coordinating Council to include one representative of a statewide aging advocacy organization and one representative of a statewide disability advocacy organization, both of whom must be sixty (60) years of age or older. It mandates the Long-Term Care Coordinating Council to review and make recommendations for reforming its governing statute by March 31, 2027, and adjusts the quorum requirement for council meetings to twelve (12) members. The bill also updates definitions to include "older adult" in relevant sections. Overall, the act aims to modernize language related to older individuals and persons with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and ensuring their representation in state planning activities. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7496: 42-66-4.1, 42-11-10
7496  SUB A: 42-66-4.1, 42-11-10