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H 2765

An Act relative to defining certain disabilities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Cahill

H 2765: An Act Relative to Defining Certain Disabilities SummaryThis bill, H 2765, seeks to update and clarify the state's legal definitions of certain disabilities. The main purpo

Accompanied a study order, see H5312 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2765

H 2765: An Act Relative to Defining Certain Disabilities

Summary

This bill, H 2765, seeks to update and clarify the state's legal definitions of certain disabilities. The main purpose is to ensure that the statutory language used to describe different types of disabilities aligns with modern medical and social understanding.

Key Provisions

The bill would make the following key changes:

  1. Updating Terminology: The bill would replace outdated or insensitive terms used to describe disabilities in existing state law, such as "crippled" and "retarded," with more appropriate and respectful language.

  2. Expanding Definitions: The bill would add new definitions for disabilities not currently covered, such as autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis.

  3. Aligning with Federal Law: The revised definitions would be harmonized with those used in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant federal statutes.

Impact

The updated and expanded disability definitions would have several important effects:

  • Ensure that state anti-discrimination, accessibility, and support laws properly cover a wider range of disabilities.
  • Provide clearer guidance for state agencies, employers, and service providers on how to correctly identify and accommodate different disabilities.
  • Reduce stigma and promote more respectful, person-first language when referring to individuals with disabilities.

Procedural Details

  • This bill was introduced on February 27, 2025 and has been assigned to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing for consideration.
  • A public hearing on the bill has been rescheduled from its original date of January 9, 2025 to July 9, 2025 from 1:00-5:00 PM in room A-2.
  • If passed, the new disability definitions would take effect 90 days after the bill is signed into law by the governor.

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

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