Encouraging the Legislature to continue using person-first language that acknowledges the person before any disability.
Summary
SCR607 is a concurrent resolution expressing the South Dakota Legislature’s support for using person-first language when referring to people with disabilities. The resolution states that language should place the person before the disability and avoid wording that equates a person with a condition or carries demeaning overtones. It frames this approach as consistent with respectful public discourse and with broader disability-rights and person-centered policy trends.
The resolution does not create a new regulatory program or change eligibility for any benefits. Instead, it serves as a legislative statement of intent and guidance for future drafting of state statutes and administrative rules, encouraging lawmakers and agencies to use terminology that acknowledges the person first. It references federal and international disability policy concepts, including person-centered planning and the United Nations disability framework, as support for this drafting preference.
The general sentiment around the resolution appears favorable overall, with strong support in the Senate and House adoption votes. The Senate adopted the resolution unanimously, and the House concurred by a substantial margin, indicating broad agreement with the underlying message of respect and inclusion for people with disabilities. The voting history suggests the measure was largely noncontroversial.
There is little evidence of substantive opposition in the available materials, and no committee transcript is provided showing debate or disagreement. Any potential point of contention would likely be limited to whether such language guidance should be treated as a legislative priority or merely a stylistic preference, but the resolution itself is nonbinding and aspirational rather than mandatory.
Impact
SCR607 does not amend existing statutes or impose legal requirements; it is a concurrent resolution that expresses legislative policy preference. Its practical effect is to guide future drafting of South Dakota laws and rules so that references to disability use person-first terminology, potentially influencing legislative drafting standards, agency rulemaking language, and public-facing government documents.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR607 is strongly positive and supportive. The resolution passed with unanimous Senate support and a large House majority, suggesting broad bipartisan comfort with the goal of respectful, person-first language. The available record shows no committee controversy or recorded debate, reinforcing that the measure was viewed as symbolic and noncontroversial.
Contention
No major points of contention are evident in the bill text or voting record. The resolution’s only possible area of disagreement would be whether the Legislature should formally encourage a particular style of language in statutes and rules, but the measure is advisory and not legally binding. Because there are no committee transcripts, there is no documented opposition from specific lawmakers, disability advocates, or drafting officials.