Pair Of California Laws Change Terminology To Reduce Stigma For People With Disabilities

Two laws signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom went into effect on January 1, 2024, to remove outdated terminology for referring to people with disabilities. Assembly Bill (AB) 248 and AB 1130 both eliminate obsolete—and stigmatizing—words and phrases and direct state agencies to use terms considered more accurate. The goal is to avoid using terms that increase stigma and negative bias.

AB 248, the Dignity for All Act, eliminates the following words and phrases as obsolete: “mentally retarded persons,” “mentally retarded children,” “retardation,” and “handicap.” The obsolete terms will be replaced by “individuals with disabilities” or “individuals with . . .