§ 25-40. References to persons with disabilities.

A.  Beginning November 1, 2006, all new and revised statutes, administrative rules, local laws, ordinances, charters, or regulations promulgated or any publication published by the state or any political subdivision that refers to persons with disabilities shall:

1.  Avoid language that:

a.implies that a person as a whole is disabled, such as the “mentally ill” or the “learning disabled”, or

b.equates persons with their condition, such as “epileptics”, “autistics”, or “quadriplegics”; and

2.  Replace nonrespectful language by referring to persons with disabilities as persons first; for example, persons with disabilities, persons with developmental disabilities, persons with mental illness, persons with autism, or persons with mental retardation.

B.  Violation of this section shall not be grounds to invalidate any new or revised statutes, administrative rules, local laws, ordinances, charters, or regulations promulgated or any publication published by the state or any political subdivision; provided, however, such documents shall be changed to reflect the provisions of this section in subsequent revisions.

C.  Nothing in this section shall constitute a requirement to change the name of any agency or program.  Existing printed material may be utilized until such time as supplies are required to be replenished.

Added by Laws 2006, c. 296, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.