The Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act updates outdated and offensive language in D.C. court procedures by replacing terms like "substantially retarded" and "mentally retarded" with the modern, respectful phrase "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities." The bill affects three D.C. court systems—the United States District Court, Superior Court, and Family Court—by modernizing how they refer to individuals with intellectual disabilities in their legal codes. This is a straightforward terminology update with no new funding requirements or implementation timeline specified; it simply ensures that the courts' official language aligns with current, dignified standards for referring to people with disabilities. The legislation was introduced by D.C. Representative Eleanor Norton and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
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