Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1022
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Law
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T21:54:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act" (H.R. 1022) aims to modernize and update outdated language in the District of Columbia's court-related laws. Specifically, it replaces terms that refer to people with intellectual disabilities in a stigmatizing way with more respectful and current terminology, promoting dignity and person-centered language in legal contexts.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is titled the "Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act."
- Amendments to D.C. Official Code:
- Amends Section 11-501(2)(D) to change "substantially retarded persons" to "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities" in the context of the U.S. District Court's jurisdiction.
- Amends Section 11-921(a)(4)(D) to make the same replacement in the Superior Court's jurisdiction.
- Amends Section 11-1101(a)(15) to replace "the at least moderately mentally retarded" with "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities" in the Family Court's jurisdiction.
These changes focus on specific sections of Title 11 of the D.C. Official Code, which governs court jurisdictions and procedures.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill introduces targeted language updates in three key court jurisdiction statutes, eliminating archaic and offensive terms like "retarded" or "mentally retarded," which are no longer used in modern medical or legal contexts.
- It aligns D.C. law with contemporary standards from organizations like the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), emphasizing "person-first" language (e.g., "persons with" disabilities rather than defining individuals by their disability).
- No new substantive rules or procedures are added; the changes are purely terminological to reflect evolving societal norms without altering the scope of court authority.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: D.C. courts (U.S. District Court, Superior Court, and Family Court) will need to update legal documents, forms, and references, potentially requiring minor administrative revisions but no major operational changes.
- On Citizens: Individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities in D.C. may experience greater respect and reduced stigma in legal proceedings, such as guardianship, civil commitments, or family matters. This could foster a more inclusive judicial environment for vulnerable populations.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill is limited to D.C. local law and does not affect federal foreign policy.
- Overall, the changes are symbolic and low-cost, promoting broader cultural shifts toward disability rights without imposing new burdens.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: Primary beneficiaries, as the updates reduce harmful stereotypes in legal contexts.
- D.C. Courts and Judicial Staff: Must implement the language changes in ongoing and future cases.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on disability rights (e.g., those aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act) will likely support and monitor enforcement.
- Legislators and Policymakers: D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (bill sponsor) and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which handles the referral.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: The amendments ensure consistency in D.C. law with federal disability standards (e.g., under the ADA), potentially reducing challenges to outdated language in court. They do not expand or limit court jurisdictions.
- Constitutional Implications: None significant; the bill respects due process and equal protection under the U.S. Constitution by promoting non-discriminatory language, without raising free speech or federalism concerns (as D.C. law operates under congressional oversight).
- Political Implications: Signals bipartisan progress on disability inclusion, reflecting a broader national trend toward respectful terminology (e.g., similar updates in federal law like Rosa's Law in 2010). It may encourage further language reforms in other jurisdictions but is unlikely to be controversial due to its narrow, non-substantive scope.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-02-05: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-05: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E99)
- 2025-02-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (2 pages)