SB 1381 Summary

• Replaces outdated terminology "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded person" with "intellectual disability" and "person with intellectual disability" throughout California state law.

• Amends over 60 sections across multiple codes including Education, Health and Safety, Penal, Welfare and Institutions, and others to implement the terminology change.

• Clarifies legislative intent that the terminology change does not alter coverage, eligibility, rights, responsibilities, or substantive definitions in any amended provisions.

• Directs state agencies to update regulations, publications, and websites to reflect new terminology when there is another reason to revise such documents, avoiding additional state costs.

• Establishes that the terms "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded person" in state regulations and writings have the same meaning as the new terminology unless federal or state law explicitly requires different meaning.