Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act

This bill, known as the "Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act," aims to modernize the language used within the District of Columbia Official Code. Its primary purpose is to revise outdated and offensive terminology related to individuals with intellectual disabilities across several judicial sections. Specifically, the legislation amends sections defining the jurisdiction of the United States District Court, Superior Court, and Family Court. It replaces phrases such as "substantially retarded persons" and "the at least moderately mentally retarded" with the more respectful and current term, "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities." These amendments ensure that the official legal code reflects contemporary understanding and respectful language for individuals with intellectual disabilities.