Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act

This legislative proposal, known as the "Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act," seeks to modernize the language used within the District of Columbia Official Code. Its primary objective is to revise references to individuals with intellectual disabilities, ensuring that the terminology aligns with contemporary and respectful standards. Specifically, the bill mandates the replacement of the phrase " substantially retarded persons " with " persons with moderate intellectual disabilities " in sections 11-501(2)(D) and 11-921(a)(4)(D), which pertain to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court and the Superior Court, respectively. Additionally, section 11-1101(a)(15), concerning the jurisdiction of the Family Court, will see the phrase " the at least moderately mentally retarded " similarly updated to " persons with moderate intellectual disabilities ." These amendments aim to promote more inclusive and appropriate language within the District's legal framework.