Massachusetts House Passes Bill to Remove Outdated and Offensive Terms in General Laws

BOSTON – Friday, November 7, 2025 – The Massachusetts House of Representatives this week passed a bill that removes outdated and offensive language in the General Laws to describe persons with disabilities. The language in the bill removes all variations of outdated terms such as “handicapped,” “disabled,” and the “r-word.”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.” 

“As lawmakers, we know that words matter,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation is our latest effort to ensure that our state laws do not use antiquated words that carry negative connotations, words that also serve as a reminder of past injustices. I would like to thank Representatives Livingstone, Finn and Garballey for their work on this important legislation.” 

“I’m proud that the House has moved to enact straightforward updates to our laws to better reflect our Massachusetts’ values and ensure our language reflects the respect people with disabilities deserve,” said Representative Tackey Chan (D-Quincy).  

“By modernizing the language in our statutes pertaining to people with disabilities, this legislation ensures that our laws fully reflect the values we uphold as a Commonwealth, including dignity, inclusion, and respect,” said Representative Bruce J. Ayers (D-Quincy). 

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 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 The name change reflects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the office undergoes broad changes towards a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living.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 bill passed the House of Representatives 154-0 and now moves back to the Senate for further consideration.