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History
- Referred to mental health and developmental disabilities
- Referred to mental health and developmental disabilities
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Rename the office of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, within the department of mental hygiene, as the office of developmental disability assistance
In Assembly Committee · Mental Health · Sponsor John McEneny
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act in relation to renaming the office of mental retardation and developmental disabilities as the office of developmental disability assistance
Purpose
To change the name of the New York state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities to the 'Office of Developmental Disability Assistance'.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 renames the office of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, within the department of mental hygiene, as established by established by chapter 978 of the laws of 1977, to the office of developmental disability assistance.
Justification
The term mental retardation is used to describe a person with certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communicating, taking care of him or herself, and social skills. Mental Retardation is a mental illness. Unfortunately, the term's presence has spawned slang which some consider to be hateful speech.
The word 'retard' or 'retarded' has become mainstream in American culture when describing someone or something funny, different, disappointing, frustrating, difficult or stupid. Although most persons do not intend to be insulting, it is offensive to the developmentally disabled and to those close to such individuals. Although the terminology (i.e., 'retardation', 'retarded' ,'retard') is clinically correct, its negative connotation has become commonplace and imbedded in society. Many agencies throughout the Unites States have taken steps in ridding the word from titles, references and group names in an effort to accentuate hope and positivity.
Legislative history
2007/2008 - S.7044 Remained in the Senate Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities/A.10019 Remained in the Assembly Committee on Mental Health
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.