Resolve, To Convene a Working Group To Review Statutory Language and Propose Standards To Ensure the Use of Respectful Language

Sec. 1. Convene working group. Resolved: That the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council, referred to in this resolve as "the council," shall convene a working group to review the terminology that is currently contained in the Maine Revised Statutes to refer to persons with disabilities. The council may propose standards to be used prospectively by the Revisor of Statutes when preparing bills that enact or amend legislative language referring to persons with disabilities. In convening the working group, the council shall invite the participation of representatives of the Maine Disability Advocacy Coalition and other interested parties. In preparing its recommendations, the working group:

1. May identify terms that it recommends be designated for substitution and may recommend replacement terms;

2. Shall ensure that any proposal for terminology changes reflects a positive approach to persons with disabilities;

3. Shall include in any proposal language that ensures that terminology changes may not be implemented if the change would alter or render ambiguous the substantive meaning of any statutory unit;

4. Shall ensure that any proposed language changes are not in conflict with or prohibited by federal requirements; and

5. May recommend that each department, bureau and agency of State Government, when adopting or amending its rules and policies and when publishing or republishing its publications, incorporate the standards proposed; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report and recommendations. Resolved: That, by November 1, 2007, the council shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services the findings and recommendations of the working group, including any necessary implementing legislation; and be it further

Sec. 3. Authority for legislation. Resolved: That, after receipt and review of the report and recommendations submitted pursuant to section 2, the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services may submit legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.