MS HB738

Defines "intellectual disability" in Mississippi law as a disability characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior originating before age 18, replacing the term "mental retardation" throughout state statutes

Amends over 80 sections of Mississippi Code to replace outdated terminology, changing references from "mentally retarded" to "persons with an intellectual disability" and renaming facilities accordingly (e.g., "mental health/intellectual disability commissions")

Directs legislative drafting offices to avoid terms like "mentally disabled," "mentally retarded," "handicapped," and "crippled" in new legislation and to update existing statutes when amended

Allows the Department of Human Services to provide state matching funds to the Division of Medicaid for medical and mental health treatment, care, and services for children in DHS custody under the Medicaid EPSDT program

Establishes that no statute or agency rule is invalid for failing to comply with the new terminology requirements, ensuring a gradual transition to respectful language