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Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act

USA119th CongressS-402| Senate 
| Updated: 2/5/2025
Jerry Moran

Jerry Moran

Republican Senator

Kansas

Cosponsors (2)
Raphael G. Warnock (Democratic)Gary C. Peters (Democratic)

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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 Its primary purpose is to revise outdated and offensive terminology related to individuals with intellectual disabilities across several judicial sections.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.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-3698
Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act
Feb 5, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-1022
Introduced in House
Feb 5, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Feb 5, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-3698
    Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act


  • February 5, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-1022
    Introduced in House


  • February 5, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 5, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Law

Related Bills

  • HR 119-1022: Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act
Disability and health-based discriminationDistrict of ColumbiaFederal district courtsSpecialized courts

Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act

USA119th CongressS-402| Senate 
| Updated: 2/5/2025
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 Its primary purpose is to revise outdated and offensive terminology related to individuals with intellectual disabilities across several judicial sections.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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-3698
Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act
Feb 5, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-1022
Introduced in House
Feb 5, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Feb 5, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-3698
    Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act


  • February 5, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-1022
    Introduced in House


  • February 5, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 5, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Jerry Moran

Jerry Moran

Republican Senator

Kansas

Cosponsors (2)
Raphael G. Warnock (Democratic)Gary C. Peters (Democratic)

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Law

Related Bills

  • HR 119-1022: Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Disability and health-based discriminationDistrict of ColumbiaFederal district courtsSpecialized courts