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S 3142

An Act removing the term hearing impaired from the General Laws

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Cynthia Creem

The bill modernizes state law by replacing outdated terms like “hearing impaired” with respectful language such as “deaf or hard of hearing” across multiple statutes.

Read; and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
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Bill Summary · S 3142

Overview

Bill S.3142 (Session 194th, Massachusetts) titled An Act removing the term hearing impaired from the General Laws seeks to replace references to “hearing impaired” with more current and person-centered language (primarily “deaf or hard of hearing”) across multiple sections of the General Laws. The measure was substituted as a new draft for S.2120 and carries sponsor with a co-sponsor (Sen. Cynthia Creem).

Main purpose and intent

  • Modernize terminology in state law to reflect preferred and respectful language for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Replace instances of the phrase “hearing impaired” with “deaf or hard of hearing,” and in some cases adjust phrasing to reference the condition or disability more directly.
  • Ensure consistency across a range of statutes and programs administered by the Commonwealth.

Key provisions and changes

The bill makes specific edits to multiple General Laws sections. The substantive changes include:

  • Chapter 6, Section 196: Replace “hearing–impaired individual” with “person who is deaf or hard of hearing.”
  • Chapter 32A, Section 23: Replace “hearing impaired ear” with “ear that is deaf or hard of hearing.”
  • Chapter 129, Section 1: Replace “hearing impaired” with “hard of hearing.”
  • Chapter 151B (as amended by 2026 act):
    • Multiple occurrences: replace “hearing impaired” with “deaf or hard of hearing” or “deaf or hard of hearing or has any other disability,” as context requires.
    • Adjust various references to disability language to reflect “such person is deaf or hard of hearing” or similar phrasing.
    • Remove or modify references that combine “blindness or hearing impairment,” substituting with “blind or deaf or hard of hearing.”
    • Minor wording tweaks to connect the reason for action to being deaf or hard of hearing (e.g., “because such person is deaf or hard of hearing”).
  • Chapter 175, Section 47X: Replace “hearing impaired ear” with “ear that is deaf or hard of hearing.”
  • Chapter 176A, Section 8Y: Replace “hearing impaired ear” with “ear that is deaf or hard of hearing.”
  • Chapter 176B, Section 4EE: Replace “hearing impaired ear” with “ear that is deaf or hard of hearing.”
  • Chapter 176G, Section 4N: Replace “hearing impaired ear” with “ear that is deaf or hard of hearing.”
  • Chapter 221, Section 92A: Replace multiple occurrences of “deaf or hearing-impaired person(s)” with “person who is deaf or hard of hearing.”

These changes collectively remove the outdated term and align numerous provisions with contemporary language.

Affected persons and entities

  • Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, due to the rewording of definitions and references.
  • State agencies, departments, and boards that implement, regulate, or administer programs under the cited General Laws (e.g., human services, civil rights, employment, accessibility, and disability rights provisions).
  • Contractors, employers, and institutions governed by text that previously used the term “hearing impaired,” who must interpret and apply the updated terminology.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill is introduced and substituted as a new draft for Senate Bill 2120, signaling an alignment or consolidation of prior language.
  • The text shows cross-references to a prior 2026 act (e.g., Chapter 151B amendments amended by Section 276 of Chapter 102 of the Acts of 2026), indicating coordination with other statutory updates.
  • If enacted, the changes would become effective as provided by the General Laws’ standard enactment and effective-date rules (the bill text does not specify a separate effective date beyond typical enactment by the Legislature and signing into law).

Practical impact

  • Promotes inclusive, up-to-date language across state law, reducing ambiguity and improving compliance with modern disability-rights norms.
  • Supports consistent terminology in statutes concerning individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, which may affect interpretation by courts, agencies, employers, and service providers.
  • Likely minimal to moderate administrative burden as agencies update forms, manuals, and guidance to reflect the new terminology.

If you would like, I can provide a section-by-section mapping showing each revised statute alongside the old vs. new language for quick reference.

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

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