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119-hr-1022119th Congress

Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act

Sponsored By: Representative Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

Introduced

Summary

Replaces outdated, offensive terminology with modern, person-first language in D.C. court law. This bill would amend three sections of Title 11 of the District of Columbia Official Code to replace phrases like "substantially retarded" and "at least moderately mentally retarded" with "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities." The change modernizes wording in United States District Court, Superior Court, and Family Court jurisdiction text and does not add programs or funding.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Respectful disability terms in D.C. courts

If enacted, this bill would update how D.C. court laws refer to people with disabilities. It would replace old phrases like "substantially retarded persons" with "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities." The change would apply in Family Court, Superior Court, and U.S. District Court in D.C. This is a wording change only; it would not change rights, eligibility, or funding.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

DC • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]

    LA • D

    Sponsored 8/13/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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