AR HB1296

Replaces outdated terms like "handicapped," "physically or mentally deficient," and "visually handicapped" with respectful person-first language such as "individuals with disabilities," "individuals who are blind or have visual impairments," and "person with a disability" throughout Arkansas Code sections 11-4-214, 17-99-102, 17-100-102, 17-103-107, 19-5-304, 19-5-305, 20-79-208, 23-17-404, and 25-10 series.

Updates employment provisions for individuals with disabilities to use inclusive terminology, including temporary wage exemption licenses and work activities centers for people with severe disabilities.

Modifies definitions and references related to rehabilitation services, speech-language pathology and audiology services, education fund programs, and social worker testimony to reflect respectful disability language.

Changes terminology in housing provisions from "elderly or handicapped persons" to "an elderly person or a person with a disability" in federally funded housing regulations.

Clarifies that all changes are technical corrections only, with no substantive impact on Arkansas Code provisions, and does not repeal other acts from the 94th General Assembly regular session.