BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 530

By: Wu

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The term "mental retardation" has gradually been replaced by the term "intellectual and developmental disability." Those with intellectual and developmental disabilities have rightly asserted that the term "mental retardation" represents a negative connotation, has become offensive to many people, and often leads to misconceptions about the nature of such a disorder. Presently, multiple sections in the Family Code still contain the term "mental retardation." H.B. 530 seeks to address this issue by replacing these references in the Family Code.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 530 amends the Family Code to replace references to "mental retardation" and "mental retardation authority" in provisions relating to juvenile justice with references to an "intellectual disability," an "intellectual and developmental disability," or an "intellectual and developmental disability authority," as appropriate.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.