Bill · S. 402· Senate(119-S-402)
Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act
- Introduced
- 2/5/2025
- Last activity
- 2/5/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Jerry Moran
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act," seeks to amend the District of Columbia Official Code. The primary purpose is to revise specific references regarding individuals with intellectual disabilities. It targets language used within the jurisdiction of the United States District Court, the Superior Court, and the Family Court. The legislation replaces outdated terminology with updated terms.
Yes
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+5
The bill replaces derogatory legal terms with dignity-preserving language for people with intellectual disabilities.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+5
The bill updates outdated and potentially stigmatizing language to more respectful terminology regarding individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Updated Terminology in Court Jurisdictions: The bill replaces the term "substantially retarded persons" or "the at least moderately mentally retarded" with the term "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities" across various court jurisdictions. This change applies to Section 11-501(2)(D), Section 11-921(a)(4)(D), and Section 11-1101(a)(15) of the District of Columbia Official Code.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the text: The provided text focuses solely on the replacement of specific terms within the District of Columbia Official Code and does not list any negative consequences.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+5
- 7/9/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/5/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
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