Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act
- Bill Number
- S. 402
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Law
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T21:54:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act" (S. 402) aims to update outdated and potentially stigmatizing language in the District of Columbia's legal code. Specifically, it replaces references to "retarded persons" or similar terms with more respectful and current terminology—"persons with moderate intellectual disabilities"—to promote dignity and accuracy in how the law describes individuals with these conditions.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is officially named the "Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act."
- Amendments to D.C. Official Code (Title 11):
- Section 11-501(2)(D): Updates jurisdiction rules for the U.S. District Court by replacing "substantially retarded persons" with "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities."
- Section 11-921(a)(4)(D): Revises jurisdiction for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, making the same replacement.
- Section 11-1101(a)(15): Modifies Family Court jurisdiction by changing "the at least moderately mentally retarded" to "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities."
These changes apply only to specific sections related to court jurisdiction over cases involving individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill introduces precise, modern phrasing to eliminate archaic terms like "retarded" or "mentally retarded," which are no longer used in contemporary disability rights discourse.
- It targets jurisdictional definitions in D.C. courts, ensuring consistency in how laws reference protected groups without altering the scope or substance of court authority.
- No new rights, penalties, or procedural changes are added; the focus is solely on terminology updates.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: D.C. courts (U.S. District Court, Superior Court, and Family Court) will need to update their legal documents, forms, and references, potentially requiring minor administrative adjustments like revising case filings or training materials.
- On Citizens: Individuals with intellectual disabilities in the D.C. area may experience improved respect in legal proceedings, reducing stigma and aligning court language with broader societal norms. It has no direct financial or procedural effects on the public.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as this is a localized amendment to D.C. law with no federal or international scope.
- Overall, the changes are symbolic and low-cost, fostering a more inclusive legal environment without disrupting court operations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: Primary beneficiaries, as the updates promote respectful treatment in legal contexts.
- D.C. Court Systems: U.S. District Court, Superior Court, and Family Court staff and judges, who handle cases involving these individuals.
- Advocacy Groups: Disability rights organizations (e.g., those focused on inclusive language) that pushed for such reforms.
- Lawmakers and Policymakers: Senators like Mr. Moran and Mr. Peters, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, which reviews the bill.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The amendments are straightforward and technical, ensuring D.C. law complies with evolving standards on disability terminology (e.g., influenced by federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act). They do not expand or limit court jurisdiction, avoiding challenges to existing authority.
- Constitutional: No significant issues; the changes respect due process and equal protection under the U.S. Constitution by using non-discriminatory language, without infringing on free speech or other rights.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan support (introduced by Senators from different parties) for modernizing language in law, signaling a commitment to equity and anti-stigma efforts. It could set a precedent for similar updates in other jurisdictions, though its scope is limited to D.C.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2025-02-05: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (2 pages)