Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB118

Introduced

1/4/23

Refer

1/4/23

Failed

1/31/23

Caption

Disabilities, persons with; modernize terminology used to refer to.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB118 could significantly affect how state laws and regulations are articulated, fostering a more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities. By standardizing the use of respectful language, the bill aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect in both legislative and administrative contexts. Furthermore, the act reinforces the notion that language has a profound impact on societal attitudes towards people with disabilities.

Summary

House Bill 118 seeks to amend the Mississippi Code of 1972 by revising the terminology used in legislative drafting and state agency rules to promote respectful references concerning individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the bill emphasizes the importance of using language that recognizes the dignity of individuals and puts the person before the disability. This includes updating terms associated with mental illness and intellectual disabilities, aiming to reduce the stigma surrounding these conditions.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB118 might bring forth varying opinions, particularly regarding the implementation of inclusive language in official documents, which can be seen as a progressive move towards reducing discrimination. However, there may also be apprehensions about the practicality of enforcing these language standards across a broad range of state documents and the potential pushback from those who may feel the changes are unnecessary or overly burdensome.