This bill, the Words Matter Act of 2025, changes wording in many federal statutes and regulations to replace the terms "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" with modern language such as "intellectual disability" or "individuals with intellectual disabilities." The bill lists many specific laws and sections to be edited, including provisions in title 10 of the U.S. Code, the National Housing Act, the Social Security Act, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the Public Health Service Act, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, and others. The bill also directs how agencies should treat existing regulations and requires updated regulations to note the former terms. A rule of construction in the bill says the changes are not intended to change coverage, eligibility, rights, responsibilities, or definitions in the amended provisions, and do not force States to change their own laws.
No publicly available information.
The bill's stated purpose is to remove outdated language and replace it with modern, descriptive terms. The text directs agencies to update regulations and explains that the change of words is not intended to alter coverage, eligibility, rights, or responsibilities. The sponsor list shows members from both parties introduced the bill.
No publicly available information.