Rep. Stanley, Massachusetts Legislature Passes Bill to Remove Outdated and Offensive Terms in General Laws

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) The Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill that removes outdated and offensive language in the General Laws to describe persons with disabilities.

The bill, S.2563, removes all variations of outdated terms such as “handicapped,” “disabled,” and the “r-word.”

The bill replaces these terms with current terminology such as “person with a disability.”

“It is critical we ensure our laws and statutes accurately reflect the moral principles we work to protect” said Representative Thomas M. Stanley (D-Waltham). “Removing this outdated and offensive language is important to supporting the Commonwealth’s persons with disabilities. Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Chair Michlewtiz, and my fellow Legislative colleagues for prioritizing this key legislation.”

Last year, the Massachusetts Legislature renamed the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) as MassAbility, a change that defines the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities to live independently.

The name change reflects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the office undergoes broad changes towards a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living.

The Massachusetts Legislature approved the bill today and sent to the Governor for her signature.

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