Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act
In committee: it can still change before the session ends.
- Stage
- In committee
- Started in
- House
- Sponsors
- 2
- Latest action
- Feb 5, 2025
What it does
The bill would amend the District of Columbia Official Code to replace outdated and stigmatizing language referring to individuals with intellectual disabilities, specifically changing terms like "substantially retarded persons" and "at least moderately mentally retarded" to "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities" in provisions governing the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court, Superior Court, and Family Court in D.C. This change affects how individuals with intellectual disabilities are referenced in legal proceedings within the District of Columbia courts. The update aims to use more respectful and accurate terminology in accordance with modern standards for disability…
No official summary is available here. This one was written by AI from the bill’s text.
Where it stands
Introduced (Done)
Committee (Current step)
Floor (Not started)
Law (Not started)
What moved
Who is involved
Sponsors
The lawmakers who put their names on it, lead sponsors first.
Where it goes next
While a bill can still move, the questions are about people and money.