By Mr. Sannicandro of Ashland, petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1899) of Tom Sannicandro and others to eliminate the use of the word retardation from the general laws.  Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PETITION OF:

Tom Sannicandro

John W. Scibak

Richard J. Ross

Robert L. Rice, Jr.

Benjamin Swan

Gloria L. Fox

Louis L. Kafka

David Paul Linsky

Matthew C. Patrick

Douglas W. Petersen

Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

Stephen M. Brewer

Thomas P. Kennedy

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In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

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An Act To eliminate the use of the word retardation from the general laws.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Massachusetts General Laws as appearing in the 2004 official edition are hereby amended by striking out the words “mental retardation” and replacing thereof with the words “developmental disabilities.”

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.