H.R.3420 - Words Matter Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3420, the Words Matter Act of 2025, aims to amend federal law by replacing the terms 'mentally retarded' and 'mental retardation' with 'intellectual disability' and 'individuals with intellectual disabilities'. This change affects various sections of the United States Code and other federal acts related to healthcare, housing, crime control, and social security. The bill seeks to modernize language and promote more respectful terminology in federal statutes.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill will be to update the language used in federal laws to reflect current, more respectful terminology regarding intellectual disabilities. This change will not alter the substance of the laws themselves, as the bill explicitly states that it is not intended to change coverage, eligibility, rights, or responsibilities. Regulations will be updated to reflect the terminology change, with clear statements indicating the previous terms used.
Potential Benefits
- Promotes Respectful Language: Replaces outdated and potentially offensive terms with more respectful and person-centered language.
- Modernizes Federal Statutes: Updates federal laws to align with current terminology used in the disability community.
- Reduces Stigma: Helps to reduce the stigma associated with intellectual disabilities by using appropriate language.
- Enhances Dignity: Affirms the dignity and worth of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Clarifies Intent: Ensures that the changes do not alter the legal substance or application of the affected laws.
Potential Disadvantages
- Minimal Substantive Impact: The bill primarily focuses on terminology and does not address underlying issues related to services or support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Potential for Confusion: Although the bill aims to clarify that the changes are semantic, there is a slight potential for confusion during the transition period as regulations are updated.
- Limited Scope: The bill does not address terminology used in state laws, potentially creating inconsistencies across jurisdictions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill does not directly implicate any specific constitutional rights or principles. It primarily addresses the language used in federal statutes, which falls under the legislative power granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. The bill's aim to promote respectful language aligns with the broader constitutional value of ensuring equal dignity and respect for all individuals, although this is not explicitly stated in the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).