MS HB317

Amends Section 43-6-171 to establish that legislative drafting offices and state agencies must use respectful, person-first language when referring to individuals with disabilities in all new and existing statutes, rules, and regulations.

Requires replacement of outdated terms including "disabled," "mentally disabled," "mentally ill," "mentally retarded," "handicapped," and "crippled" with modern terminology such as "persons with disabilities," "persons with mental illness," and "persons with intellectual or cognitive disabilities."

Makes conforming changes across 46 Mississippi Code sections spanning health, education, employment, housing, and social services to implement the new terminology standards.

Specifies that no statute, rule, or regulation becomes invalid due to noncompliance with the terminology requirements, allowing for gradual implementation.

Effective July 1, 2017.