Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act
Summary
SB 402, titled the “Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act,” would amend several provisions of Title 11 of the District of Columbia Official Code to replace outdated references to people with intellectual disabilities. Specifically, it changes terms such as “substantially retarded persons” and “at least moderately mentally retarded” in jurisdictional provisions for the U.S. District Court, Superior Court, and Family Court to more modern language referring to “persons with moderate intellectual disabilities.”
The bill is primarily a terminology and conforming-language measure rather than a substantive change to court jurisdiction or procedure. Its purpose is to update statutory language in the D.C. courts code to reflect current, respectful terminology for individuals with intellectual disabilities while preserving the underlying legal references in those jurisdictional sections.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend three sections of the District of Columbia Official Code governing the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court, Superior Court, and Family Court. The practical legal effect is limited to replacing outdated and potentially offensive terminology with updated language; it does not appear to expand or restrict court authority, alter eligibility standards, or change substantive rights. The affected parties are primarily the D.C. courts and individuals referenced in those provisions, especially people with intellectual disabilities.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill is noncontroversial and likely supported on a bipartisan, consensus basis. It was introduced by Senators Moran and Peters and referred to committee without any recorded votes or committee debate in the provided materials. The title and text indicate a straightforward effort to modernize statutory language, which typically draws favorable sentiment because it is framed as respectful and technical rather than policy-driven.
Contention
No specific points of contention are reflected in the provided record. Because the bill only revises terminology in the D.C. courts code, any disagreement would likely be limited to whether the new phrasing is the best legal or clinical terminology, rather than any dispute over court jurisdiction or rights. The absence of transcripts, amendments, or votes indicates there is no documented opposition in the available materials.
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