Malden Delegation Celebrates Removal of the R-Word from State Law

BOSTON—State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steven Ultrino, and Kate Lipper-Garabedian joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to remove outdated and offensive terminology from state law.

The bill strikes the “r-word,” a derogatory slur for people with disabilities, along with other outdated terms and phrases out of state law and replaces them with current terminology such as “person with a disability.”

“Allowing this offensive terminology to exist in an official capacity has been extremely damaging,” said Senator Jason Lewis. “It is important that we keep our laws up-to-date and use language that uplifts people and communities instead of harming them. With this change, we are making sure the law correctly represents what we stand for in Massachusetts.”

“The language we use in government sends a message,” said House Second Assistant Majority Leader Paul Donato. “Updating offensive terminology is more than a technical change, it is a statement about respect. This bill ensures that Massachusetts’ law reflects our values of inclusion and dignity.”

“This long-overdue legislative change does more than update language in state law by removing offensive terms; we are affirming the dignity and respect every person deserves,” said House Chair Steven Ultrino.

“Words hold power, and it is important that our state laws reflect the values that we teach our children and expect those around us to model,” said House Chair Kate Lipper-Garabedian. “Archaic, bigoted terms have no place in the statutes of a Commonwealth where all are welcome and recognized for their contributions to our communities.”

After passing in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, this legislation was signed into law on June 12, 2026 by Governor Maura Healey.