Massachusetts Updated State Statutes to Remove Slurs
The new law replaces outdated, offensive terminology in over 350 state statutes with respectful, person-first language.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Special Needs
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Governor Maura Healey signed legislation that strikes offensive terms, including the r-word, from Massachusetts general laws. The measure updates state language to better reflect and respect individuals with disabilities.
Why it matters
Updating state law ensures that legal documents align with modern standards of dignity and inclusion. The changes reflect a long-term effort to remove archaic and derogatory references that have persisted in statutes for decades.
The new law mandates changes across 350 sections of the general laws, following a broader effort to scrub 400 sections of outdated phrasing. This initiative builds on previous updates that renamed three major state departments, including the Department of Disability Services.
The players
Governor Maura Healey
The current Governor of Massachusetts who officially signed the legislation into law.
Senator Jehlen
The state legislator who initiated the long-term push to purge offensive terminology from state law.
The details
The legislation systematically identifies and replaces dehumanizing terms such as the r-word and hearing-impaired with person-first terminology. Additionally, the bill inserts the term deaf or hard of hearing to ensure accurate and respectful categorization within state sections. This process concludes a legislative journey that began when Senator Jehlen filed the initial proposal over two decades ago.
Timeline
Senator Jehlen filed the initial bill 22 years ago.
The Massachusetts legislature passed the bill earlier this year.
Governor Healey signed the bill into law on September 25, 2026.
The Home Front
This state-level legislative update aligns Massachusetts with modern civil rights standards regarding disability representation. It marks a departure from historic, outdated legal terminology that has long been criticized by advocacy groups.
Residents should be aware that these changes ensure official state documents and forms will move toward person-first language. If you are reviewing state-issued paperwork, you may notice these updated, respectful terms appearing in documentation.
The takeaway
This legislative change codifies a shift toward inclusive language in all state-level interactions. Families should update their own internal records and communication habits to mirror this modern, respectful standard.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest advocacy efforts regarding inclusive state policy on the Special Needs section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Somerville Times.
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