AR HB1651

Replaces outdated terminology "mental retardation" and "disabled person" with "intellectual and developmental disabilities" and "person with a disability" throughout Arkansas Code to use respectful, person-first language

Updates deceptive trade practices laws to enhance protections for elder persons and persons with disabilities, including increased civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation and creation of an "Elder Person and Disabled Person with a Disability Victims Fund"

Amends capital murder sentencing provisions to replace "mental retardation" with "intellectual disabilities" while maintaining protections against death sentences for defendants with intellectual disabilities

Revises definitions and terminology related to developmental disabilities services, community programs, intermediate care facilities, and service provider requirements across multiple sections of healthcare and human services law

Standardizes language across insurance, sterilization, criminal background check, and other statutes to consistently use "intellectual and developmental disabilities" terminology