| TO: | Honorable Jane Nelson, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services |
| FROM: | John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board |
| IN RE: | SB1395 by Zaffirini (Relating to the use of person first respectful language in reference to individuals with disabilities.), As Introduced |
The bill would amend Subtitle Z, Title 3, Government Code, by creating the person first respectful language initiative. It would clarify preferred language for new and revised laws by requiring the use of terminology that places the person before the disability. It would direct the legislature and the Texas Legislative Council to avoid certain references in statutes and resolutions.
The bill would amend Chapter 325, Government Code, by requiring the Sunset Commission, in its review of the Health and Human Services Commission, to consider and make recommendations regarding revising specified language and implementing the person first respectful language initiative.
The bill would amend Chapter 531, Government Code, by requiring the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to ensure all HHS agencies use the preferred language in the person first respectful language initiative in rules, reference materials, publications and electronic media. The bill would amend Chapter 591, Health and Safety Code, by defining “intellectual disability” and “mental retardation”.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2009.
The Health and Human Services Commission indicates that any cost to implement these changes can be absorbed within existing resources.
| Source Agencies: | 103 Legislative Council, 529 Health and Human Services Commission
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| LBB Staff: | JOB, CL, MB
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