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SD 1115

An Act dignifying individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 11 co-sponsors

SD 1115 - An Act dignifying individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities OverviewBill Number: SD 1115 Title: An Act dignifying individuals with intellectual or deve

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 1115

SD 1115 - An Act dignifying individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities

Overview

Bill Number: SD 1115
Title: An Act dignifying individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
Status: House concurred
Introduced: March 10, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to promote the dignity, inclusion, and empowerment of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). It seeks to address historical stigma and discrimination by updating terminology, expanding rights and protections, and enhancing access to services and opportunities.

Key Provisions

  • Replaces outdated and derogatory terms like "mental retardation" with person-first language like "intellectual disability"
  • Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on I/DD status
  • Requires state agencies to provide reasonable modifications and auxiliary aids to ensure equal access
  • Establishes an I/DD Bill of Rights guaranteeing freedoms like self-determination, community integration, and freedom from abuse
  • Expands Medicaid coverage for I/DD-related therapies, assistive technology, and independent living support
  • Creates a state I/DD Ombudsman to investigate complaints and advocate for the rights of individuals with I/DD

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would directly benefit the estimated 1.2 million state residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It would provide them with greater legal protections, access to services, and opportunities for independent living and community participation.

Families, caregivers, and disability service providers would also be impacted, as the bill aims to improve the quality and availability of I/DD-related supports. State and local governments would need to allocate additional funding and resources to implement the new requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

SD 1115 was introduced in the state legislature on March 10, 2025 and has since passed the Senate. The House of Representatives has now concurred with the Senate version, sending the bill to the Governor for final signature into law.

Once enacted, the bill would take effect 90 days after passage, giving state agencies and service providers time to prepare for the new requirements. The I/DD Ombudsman position and other key provisions would be implemented within 6 months of the effective date.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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