Senate Panel Votes to Change Label of 'Mental Retardation' to "Intellectual Disability"

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved May 26th, by voice vote, a bill known as Rosa's Law (S. 2781) that would change the words "mental retardation" in numerous existing laws to "intellectual disability." Before approving the bill, the panel adopted a substitute amendment by unanimous consent offered by bill sponsor Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, (D-MD), that would clarify that the term "intellectual disability" would have the same meaning as "mental retardation" regarding programs, qualifications and individuals. Among other provisions, the substitute amendment would clarify that the bill would not change coverage, eligibility, rights, responsibilities or definitions in the existing laws. ANCOR sent a letter of support to HELP Committee members Monday urging passage of Rosa's Law.