Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Human Services & Early Learning Committee |
HB 2390
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Using respectful language.
Sponsors: Representatives Kilduff, Goodman, Klippert, Leavitt, Thai, Dufault, Macri, Senn and Hudgins.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/22/20
Staff: Nico Wedekind (786-7290).
Background:
The Office of the Code Reviser (Code Reviser) is directed to avoid all language referencing "disabled," "developmentally disabled," "mentally disabled," "mentally ill," "mentally retarded," "handicapped," "cripple," and "crippled" in any new statute, memorial, or resolution, and to change such references in any existing statute, memorial, or resolution as sections including these references are otherwise amended by law. The Code Reviser is directed to replace the above language with the following terminology: "individuals with disabilities," "individuals with developmental disabilities," "individuals with mental illness," and/or "individuals with intellectual disabilities."
No statute, memorial, or resolution is invalid because it includes disrespectful language listed above.
Summary of Bill:
Several statues are amended to reflect the language deemed respectful by current law by changing:
"chemical dependency" to "substance use disorder;"
"children who are crippled" to "children with disabilities;"
"disabled veteran" to "veterans with disabilities;"
"the disadvantaged" to "disadvantaged individuals;"
"elderly persons" to "persons who are aging;"
"handicap(s)" to "disability" or "disabilities;"
"handicapped" to "individual with disabilities" or "person with disabilities;"
"less handicapped persons" to "persons with less acute disabilities;"
"mentally ill or mentally handicapped" to "persons suffering from mental illness or persons with disabilities;"
"non handicapped" to "persons without disabilities;" and
"physical or mental handicap or emotional disturbance" to "disability or behavioral health conditions."
Language referencing decodified sections pertaining to a metropolitan public transportation system and benefit is removed.
References to recodified statutes are corrected.
Minor technical amendments are made.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.