Winchester Delegation & Legislature Pass Bill Modernizing Law to Promote Respect for People w/ Disabilities

BOSTON—State Senators Jason Lewis and Pat Jehlen and State Representatives Michael Day and Michelle Ciccolo joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to remove outdated and offensive terminology from state law.

The bill updates references throughout state law, replacing terms that define individuals by their disabilities with language that recognizes people first. Among other changes, it strikes variations of use of the “r-word,” a derogatory slur for people with disabilities, along with other outdated terms and phrases from state law and replaces them with current terminology such as “person with a disability.”

“Allowing this offensive terminology to exist in an official capacity has been extremely damaging,” said Senator Jason Lewis. “It is important that we keep our laws up-to-date and use language that uplifts people and communities instead of harming them. With this change, we are making sure the law correctly represents what we stand for in Massachusetts.”

“This legislation demonstrates that in Massachusetts, our laws reflect our values,” said Representative Michael S. Day. “Every resident deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and this legislation reaffirms our commitment to the principles of inclusion.”

“Language is constantly changing. And it's changing because of the activism of people who were ignored and demeaned for too long,” said Senator Patricia Jehlen. “When people tell us they feel insulted and offended by the use of outdated words, we worked to change the legal language. It took a long time, because we kept finding more examples of offensive language. Language and activism will continue to evolve, and there'll always be more work to do, but this is a gigantic step forward in respect. Thanks to the many many people who made this possible.”

“Language reflects our values and shapes our thinking,” said Representative Michelle Ciccolo. “I was immensely proud to join my colleagues in modernizing the language in our General Laws to reflect the values of today.”

The legislation’s changes do not affect eligibility for programs, services, or benefits. Last year, the Massachusetts Legislature renamed the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to 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.

After passing in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, Governor Maura Healey signed this legislation into law on June 12, 2026.