The bill amends Chapter 22-11 of the General Laws by introducing a new section, 22-11-3.6, which requires the law revision director to prepare a bill for the 2027 legislative session. This bill will replace the terms "elder" and "elderly person(s)" with "older adult(s)" and "handicapped" and "disabled" with "adult person(s) with disabilities" throughout the general laws, with certain exemptions outlined in subsection (b) for existing government documents or programs. Additionally, state departments may retain the existing terminology by notifying the law revision director.

The bill also updates definitions in Chapter 42-66 regarding the Office of Healthy Aging, specifying that "elderly person or elder" includes "older adult." It expands the Long-Term Care Coordinating Council's purpose to include adults with chronic disabilities and illnesses and mandates the council to conduct a review of its governing statute and make recommendations for reform by March 31, 2027.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the representation of older Rhode Islanders by requiring the state planning council to include a representative from a statewide aging advocacy organization who is 60 years of age or older. It establishes a permanent committee on aging within the council and adjusts the quorum requirement for council meetings to twelve members. The division of statewide planning is designated as the principal staff agency for the state planning council, tasked with coordinating strategic plans and managing public records. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2904: 42-66-4.1, 42-11-10