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House concurs in resolution encouraging person-first language toward people with disabilities
Summary
The House concurred in Senate Concurrent Resolution 607, which encourages the legislature to use person-first language when referring to individuals with disabilities. The measure passed by voice vote after brief floor remarks.
The South Dakota House concurred in Senate Concurrent Resolution 607, a nonbinding measure encouraging legislators to adopt person-first language that recognizes the person before any disability.
Representative Brian Mulder moved concurrence and explained that the resolution was prompted by constituent advocacy, including a young advocate, McKenna Schultz, who asked lawmakers to recognize people first rather than define them by disabilities. "By shifting away from labels that define a person by their disability, we create... a more compassionate and understanding community," Mulder said on the floor.
Members offered no extended debate. The clerk later reported the vote as ayes 54, nays 16 and the Speaker declared the motion carried; SCR 607 was concurred in.
The resolution is advisory and does not change statute or impose legal duties; it expresses the Legislature's preference for respectful language in legislative materials and communications.
