S.402

Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act revises references to individuals with intellectual disabilities in the District of Columbia.

The Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act amends title 11 of the District of Columbia Official Code to update references to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Specifically, it replaces outdated terms such as "substantially retarded persons" and "the at least moderately mentally retarded" with the phrase "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities" in the jurisdiction sections of the Family Court, United States District Court, and Superior Court. This change aims to use more respectful and current language in legal contexts.