The Massachusetts state legislature has approved comprehensive legislation to eliminate outdated and offensive terminology used to describe people with disabilities throughout the state’s legal code. The measure, which updates 346 sections across 61 pages of law, replaces terms such as “handicapped,” “disabled,” and the “r-word” with person-first language including “persons with a disability” and “person with an intellectual or developmental disability.” Democratic Governor Maura Healey now has the bill on her desk awaiting signature.
The legislation was introduced by Democratic state Senator Pat Jehlen and gained support from 17 co-petitioners. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, including unanimous recorded votes in both the state Senate and House of Representatives. This marks a significant step in the state’s ongoing effort to modernize its legal language and promote inclusivity for residents with disabilities.
Comprehensive language updates across state legal code
The new legislation systematically replaces terminology that disability advocates have long considered demeaning or stigmatizing. Among the most significant changes, the term “disabled person” becomes “person with a disability,” emphasizing the individual before their condition. The word “handicapped” is replaced throughout with “disability,” while “retarded” is replaced with phrases such as “person with an intellectual or developmental disability.”
Additional revisions include removing terms like “crippled” and “deformed” when referring to people with disabilities. The phrase “hearing-impaired” has been updated to “deaf or hard of hearing,” and “chronically ill” now reads as “persons who are chronically ill.” The bill also modifies specific legal definitions, including changing the definition of “caretaker” from someone responsible for a “disabled person” to someone responsible for “a person with a disability.”
Advocates celebrate decades of activism leading to reform
Senator Pat Jehlen, the primary sponsor of the legislation, emphasized the importance of responding to community concerns about offensive language. She acknowledged that language constantly evolves through the activism of people who have historically been marginalized and dismissed. The senator noted that the legislative process took considerable time because lawmakers continued discovering additional examples of outdated terminology throughout the state’s legal code.
According to Jehlen, while language and activism will continue to evolve, requiring ongoing work, this legislation represents a substantial advancement in demonstrating respect for people with disabilities. Senate President Karen Spilka praised the measure as necessary to remove what she described as dusty and dangerous relics of a bygone era that create potential for real harm to current residents.
- 346 sections of Massachusetts law updated
- 61 pages of legislative language revised
- Unanimous votes recorded in both legislative chambers
- Person-first language now standard in state law
- Changes align with modern disability advocacy standards
Legislative leaders emphasize timing amid national political climate
Senate President Spilka specifically referenced the current national political environment in her statement supporting the bill. She expressed concern about what she characterized as a White House that glorifies days when many Americans faced discrimination based on their identity. Spilka argued that now is the appropriate time to ensure Massachusetts state laws respect and support the rights and dignity of all residents.
House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano reinforced the importance of the legislation by noting that lawmakers understand words carry significant weight. He described the measure as the latest effort to ensure state laws do not employ antiquated terminology that carries negative connotations and serves as a reminder of past injustices. The speaker emphasized the legislature’s commitment to language that reflects contemporary values and understanding.
Measure builds on previous disability services reforms
This legislation follows a 2024 law that renamed the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility. State officials presented that earlier change as part of a broader initiative to modernize disability services and promote inclusion throughout state government operations. The renaming reflected a growing movement away from terminology that officials and advocates considered outdated or potentially offensive to people with disabilities.
Former Senate staff member Melissa Reilly was specifically recognized by legislative leaders for her advocacy work that helped advance the language reform efforts. Her involvement, along with leadership from Senator Jehlen and Senator Kennedy, proved instrumental in moving the comprehensive legislation through both chambers of the state legislature. The successful passage demonstrates the impact individual advocates can have on systemic policy changes.
Implementation awaits governor’s signature for final approval
The bill now awaits action from Governor Maura Healey, who must decide whether to sign the measure into law. Given the unanimous support in both legislative chambers and the Democratic governor’s general alignment with disability rights advocacy, observers anticipate approval. Once signed, the language changes will take effect across all 346 sections of state law identified in the legislation.
The Massachusetts reform effort reflects a nationwide trend among state governments to update legal language regarding disabilities and other sensitive topics. Several other states have undertaken similar reviews of their legal codes to identify and replace terminology that no longer aligns with contemporary understanding and respect for diverse populations. Massachusetts positions itself as a leader in this movement with the comprehensive scope of its revisions.
