Bill
S 137
Modernizes MA statutes by replacing stigmatizing terms with person-first language for disabilities, redefining person with a disability in chapter 6 without affecting benefits.
Note on inconsistent metadata
- The packet you provided contains mixed metadata (an initial title about escrow accounts in real‑property proceedings and a sponsors list that appears to be federal). The bill text and docket (Senate No. 137 / Docket No. 1115) point clearly to a Massachusetts state bill presented by Senator Patricia D. Jehlen titled “An Act dignifying individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.” This summary addresses that Massachusetts bill (the body text included), not the unrelated escrow/account title.
Purpose and intent
- The bill’s primary intent is to update statutory language across multiple sections of Massachusetts General Laws to use person‑first, dignity‑promoting terminology for people with disabilities and to modernize definitions—particularly replacing outdated or stigmatizing terms (e.g., “handicapped,” “mentally retarded,” “disabled person”) with phrases such as “person with a disability” or “person with an intellectual or developmental disability.”
Key provisions and changes
- Amends numerous sections of chapter 6 of the General Laws (examples shown in the text include sections 15F, 15LLLL, 15OOOOO, 40, 56, 106, 131A, 131B, 143, 172, 172C, 172E, 178C, 178K, and more).
- Systematically replaces terms like “handicapped,” “mentally retarded,” and “disabled person” with person‑first language:
- “persons with disabilities” or “person with a disability”
- “person with an intellectual or a developmental disability” (in place of “mentally retarded person”)
- Changes titles/phrases such as “Employ Handicapped Persons Week” → “Persons with Disabilities Employment Week.”
- Revises the statutory definition in section 172C to define “person with a disability” more broadly: includes persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities (as defined in chapter 123B, §1) or those with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities who are wholly or partially dependent on others for daily living needs.
Who is affected
- Administrative bodies, programs, regulations, forms, guidance, contracts, and court references that rely on the amended sections of chapter 6 will reflect the updated terminology.
- Individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities (and advocacy organizations) are the principal beneficiaries of the dignity‑focused language change.
- The bill does not, on its face, change program eligibility, benefits, or funding formulas—its changes are primarily linguistic and definitional, though the clarified definition could influence interpretation in statutory or administrative contexts.
Procedural status and timeline (as provided)
- Introduced/presented Jan 15–16, 2025 by Senator Patricia D. Jehlen.
- Referred to the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities (committee hearings and actions noted); a hearing was scheduled for 06/10/2025.
- Committee reported favorably 06/23/2025; placed on Orders of the Day July 17, 2025.
- On July 24, 2025 the Senate read, adopted at least two amendments, ordered third reading, and reprinted the bill as amended (see S2563).
Practical impact and considerations
- The bill is largely a language‑modernization effort intended to remove stigmatizing terminology and align statutes with contemporary disability‑affirming practices.
- Because the bill updates statutory definitions in places, agencies should review forms, regulations, and guidance for consistency; some administrative guidance or minor regulatory edits may be required.
- There is no explicit appropriation or new program created in the provided text; fiscal impact is likely minimal.
If you intended the different S.137 (the escrow/account in property recovery proceedings) or a federal bill suggested by the separate sponsors list, please confirm which bill you want summarized and provide the relevant text or docket so I can produce an accurate summary for that measure.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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