SECOND REGULAR SESSION
94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES YOUNG (Sponsor), SCHIEFFER, SATER AND VILLA (Co-sponsors).
Read 1st time February 12, 2008 and copies ordered printed.
D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To amend chapter 1, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the use of respectful language in reference to persons with disabilities.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Chapter 1, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 1.095, to read as follows:
1.095. All legislation, resolutions, regulations, memorials, documents, correspondence, and signage enacted, promulgated, or otherwise published that refers to persons with disabilities shall seek to:
(1) Avoid language that:
(a) Implies that a person as a whole is disabled, including but not limited to the mentally retarded and the mentally ill;
(b) Equates persons with their conditions, including but not limited to epileptics, autistics, and quadriplegics;
(c) Has negative overtones, including but not limited to afflicted with cerebral palsy, suffering from multiple sclerosis, or wheelchair bound;
(d) Is regarded as derogatory or demeaning, including but not limited to handicapped, retarded, mentally retarded, spastic, or crippled; and
(2) Replace nonrespectful language by referring to persons with disabilities as persons with disabilities, persons with developmental disabilities, persons with mental illness, persons with autism, and persons with intellectual or cognitive disabilities.
No law, statute, legislation, resolution, regulation, memorial, or sign in existence prior to the effective date of this section shall be deemed invalid for the sole reason that it does not comply with the provisions of this section.
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