CA AB2026

Amends numerous sections of the Health and Safety Code and Welfare and Institutions Code to change disability-related terminology to person-first language (e.g., "children with developmental disabilities" instead of "developmentally disabled children").

Changes references to "seriously emotionally disturbed children" to "children who are seriously emotionally disturbed" and similar constructions throughout mental health and child welfare statutes.

Updates terminology related to intellectual and developmental disabilities, including changing "developmentally disabled" to "with developmental disabilities" and "severely disabled children" to "children with severe disabilities."

Makes technical, non-substantive changes to article headings and terminology in provisions governing community treatment facilities, regional mental health facilities, and children's services programs.

Modernizes language to reflect person-first terminology conventions while maintaining the substantive requirements and policies of existing law.