Our View of the Legislature: Removing Handicap

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“Sine die” is the term used for the end of the Virginia legislative session. We are now just a few days from “sine die,” on Saturday, February 25, 2023. The Governor will then begin suggesting amendments or vetoes for legislation that has been passed. The legislature will return in April to respond to those actions by the Governor.

The legislature has completed its work on legislation to update the Virginia Code by replacing the words “handicap” and “handicapped” with alternative terms as appropriate in the context, such as “disability” and “impairment,” as recommended by the Virginia Disability Commission.

SB 798, from Senator Hashmi, and HB 1450, from Delegate Bobby Orrock, have been approved by both the Senate and the House. Once the bills are sent to the Governor, he will have 30 days to sign them, suggest amendments, or veto them. We expect him to sign one or both bills unless the review discovers any technical errors.

The disAbility Law Center of Virginia is available to educate policymakers about the potential impact of legislative proposals during this 2023 session. Our mission is to advance independence, choice, and self-determination; protect legal, human, and civil rights; and eliminate abuse, neglect, and discrimination of people with disabilities through zealous and uncompromising legal advocacy and representation. Please let us know of any issues that you think we should be following. Contact us at ga@dlcv.org or info@dlcv.org or by calling 1-800-552-3962 or 804-225-2042.