NY A05764

Replaces stigmatizing terms "addict," "addicts," and "addiction" throughout New York State law with person-first language such as "person with a substance use disorder," "person with a mental health disorder," "person with co-occurring disorder," or "person in recovery"

Amends multiple state laws including the Judiciary Law, Mental Hygiene Law, Public Health Law, County Law, General City Law, Education Law, Penal Law, Railroad Law, Social Services Law, and housing-related laws

Updates the General Construction Law to require that person-first terminology be used in any future law, rule, regulation, ordinance, or resolution with the same legal force and effect as previous terminology

Makes conforming changes to replace gendered pronouns ("he," "him," "his") with gender-neutral alternatives ("such person," "they," "their") throughout affected statutes

Modernizes terminology in the Railroad Law by replacing outdated job titles like "motormen" and "gripmen" with "engineers" and "grip operators"