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Committee advances bill allowing use of ‘emotional disability’ in schools instead of ‘emotional disturbance’ (HB 866)
Summary
House Bill 866 would permit schools to use the term "emotional disability" in place of "emotional disturbance" in special education documents; extensive testimony from educators, school psychologists and clinicians emphasized stigma reduction and preserving access to services. The committee voted to pass the bill as executive action.
Representative Roanoke introduced House Bill 866, a bill that would allow (but not require) Montana public education entities to use the term “emotional disability” in place of “emotional disturbance” when referencing students who qualify for special education services.
Multiple school psychologists, special‑education teachers, child and family therapists and education administrators testified in support. Robbie Rudakovich, director of education at Shodair Children’s Hospital School, told the committee that the current term “emotional…
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