The bill amends various sections of the General Laws to modernize terminology related to older adults and individuals with disabilities. It empowers the law revision director to prepare a bill for introduction in the 2027 legislative session that will replace the terms "elder" and "elderly person(s)" with "older adult(s)," and "handicapped" and "disabled" with "adult person(s) with disabilities." Certain exemptions are included for specific titles and chapters to avoid conflicts with existing government documents or funding applications, and state departments may retain existing terminology by notifying the law revision director.

Additionally, the bill enhances the representation of older Rhode Islanders in the state planning process by adding a representative from a statewide aging advocacy organization to the state planning council and establishing a permanent committee on aging within the council. It mandates the long-term care coordinating council to review and make recommendations for reforming its governing statute. The bill also modifies the quorum requirement for the council to twelve members. Overall, the bill aims to ensure that the voices and needs of older citizens are adequately represented in planning and policy-making efforts in Rhode Island, taking effect upon passage.

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