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Mass. House passes bill to replace outdated disability terms in state law
Summary
The Massachusetts House voted to pass House Bill 4704, an act to replace outdated disability-related terms in the General Laws with person-first language.
The Massachusetts House voted to pass House Bill 4704, an act amending certain laws relative to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, after floor debate and a recorded tally reported by the clerk. Supporters said the measure replaces terms such as "handicapped," "disabled," and "mental retardation" with person-first language (for example, "person with a disability") without changing substantive legal rights.
The bill’s sponsors and advocates framed the change as a dignity and inclusion measure. Representative Massey (Representative; district noted in the transcript as "of Tarleton") said the bill matters personally: "words…
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