Representative Steven S. Howitt supports bill to replace outdated language in state laws pertaining to describing individuals with disabilities

House proposal updates MA statutes by removing offensive terminology

Boston – State Representative Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk) recently supported legislation to update Massachusetts’ General Laws to remove outdated and offensive language used to describe individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

House Bill 4704, An Act amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities, was engrossed by the House of Representatives on November 5 by a unanimous vote of 152-0. The Senate previously approved its own version of the bill, Senate Bill 2563, on July 24.

Representative Howitt noted that House Bill 4704 revises language in multiple sections of the Massachusetts General Laws used in this manner. It strikes phrases such as “handicapped persons” and “disabled individuals” and replaces this terminology with phrases such as “persons with disabilities,” “person with an intellectual or developmental disability,” and similar wording.

Representative Howitt said it is important that the Massachusetts General Laws be updated to eliminate insensitive language used to describe those with disabilities to ensure that all residents are treated with dignity and respect.

The Arc of Massachusetts, which has been advocating for these changes, lists the bill among its legislative priorities, noting that “derogatory words alienate people (sic-those) with disabilities and are used to insult and discriminate.”

The House and Senate will now work to reconcile the differences between the two legislative branches’ proposals to produce a final bill to be sent to Governor Maura Healey for her review and signature.