Rep. Lewis Backs Legislation Removing Outdated and Offensive Language from Laws

(Framingham) Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives on November 5, 2025 in passing a bill removing outdated and offensive language in the General Laws to describe persons with disabilities. The language in the bill removes all variations of outdated terms such as “handicapped,” “disabled,” and the “r-word.”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 people-first terminology such as “person with a disability.”

“This is a victory for the effort to restore decency and respect to the political process” expressed Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis (Framingham). “Anyone who has worked with, cared for, or loved a person with a disability knows first-hand the power of people-first language. The words we choose have great power, and I am proud to support this bill.”

“As lawmakers, we know that words matter,” noted Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano (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.”

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 The name change reflects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the office undergoes broad changes towards a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living.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

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