Ark. Code Ann. § 1-2-124
This is the official text of Ark. Code Ann. § 1-2-124, part of Arkansas’s Code Ann — part of the compiled statutory law of Arkansas, published by the state as "Code Ann." Browse the sections below, each linked to its official government source.
Not legal advice. This page reproduces the official text of a government statute for reference only. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on your specific facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
Respectful language - Disabilities - Definition
Official statutory text
(a) (1) The General Assembly recognizes that language used in reference to individuals with disabilities shapes and reflects society's attitudes toward people with disabilities. Many of the terms currently used demean the humanity and natural condition of having a disability. Certain terms are demeaning and create an invisible barrier to inclusion as equal community members. (2) The General Assembly finds it necessary to clarify preferred language for new and revised laws and administrative rules by requiring the use of terminology that puts the person before the disability. (b) (1) In any bill or resolution, the Bureau of Legislative Research shall avoid all references to: (A) "Disabled"; (B) "Developmentally disabled"; (C) "Mentally disabled"; (D) "Mentally ill"; (E) "Mentally retarded"; (F) "Handicapped"; (G) "Cripple"; and (H) "Crippled". (2) The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall change such references in any existing statute or resolution as sections including these references are republished or otherwise amended by law. (3) The Bureau of Legislative Research and the Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall replace the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the following terms: (A) "Individuals with disabilities"; (B) "Individuals with developmental disabilities"; (C) "Individuals with mental illness"; and (D) "Individuals with intellectual disabilities". (c) (1) In any administrative rule, a state agency shall avoid the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section and shall use the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section. (2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall: (A) Replace in the Code of Arkansas Rules the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section when: (i) A section of the Code of Arkansas Rules is created or amended and the state agency did not make the change during the promulgation process; or (ii) The Bureau of Legislative Research identifies in a section of the Code of Arkansas Rules an inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and (B) Consult with the state agency that promulgated the section of the Code of Arkansas Rules that contains the inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section when making the change. (3) If a state agency identifies a use of an inappropriate term under subdivision (b)(1) of this section in a rule, the state agency shall: (A) Promulgate a revision to the rule to replace the inappropriate term with a term under subdivision (b)(3) of this section; and (B) Request the Bureau of Legislative Research to make the change in the Code of Arkansas Rules under subdivision (c)(2) of this section. (4) As used in this subsection, "state agency" means any office, board, commission, department, council, bureau, or other agency of state government having authority by statute enacted by the General Assembly to promulgate or enforce administrative rules. (d) A statute, resolution, or rule is not invalid because it does not comply with this section. Amended by Act 2021, No. 64,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 377,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 2007, No. 515, § 1; 2009, No. 975, § 1; 2011, No. 98, § 1.
r other agency of state government having authority by statute enacted by the General Assembly to promulgate or enforce administrative rules. (d) A statute, resolution, or rule is not invalid because it does not comply with this section. Amended by Act 2021, No. 64,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 377,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 2007, No. 515, § 1; 2009, No. 975, § 1; 2011, No. 98, § 1.
(a) (1) The General Assembly recognizes that language used in reference to individuals with disabilities shapes and reflects society's attitudes toward people with disabilities. Many of the terms currently used demean the humanity and natural condition of having a disability. Certain terms are demeaning and create an invisible barrier to inclusion as equal community members. (2) The General Assembly finds it necessary to clarify preferred language for new and revised laws and administrative rules by requiring the use of terminology that puts the person before the disability.
(1) The General Assembly recognizes that language used in reference to individuals with disabilities shapes and reflects society's attitudes toward people with disabilities. Many of the terms currently used demean the humanity and natural condition of having a disability. Certain terms are demeaning and create an invisible barrier to inclusion as equal community members.
(2) The General Assembly finds it necessary to clarify preferred language for new and revised laws and administrative rules by requiring the use of terminology that puts the person before the disability.
(b) (1) In any bill or resolution, the Bureau of Legislative Research shall avoid all references to: (A) "Disabled"; (B) "Developmentally disabled"; (C) "Mentally disabled"; (D) "Mentally ill"; (E) "Mentally retarded"; (F) "Handicapped"; (G) "Cripple"; and (H) "Crippled". (2) The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall change such references in any existing statute or resolution as sections including these references are republished or otherwise amended by law. (3) The Bureau of Legislative Research and the Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall replace the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the following terms: (A) "Individuals with disabilities"; (B) "Individuals with developmental disabilities"; (C) "Individuals with mental illness"; and (D) "Individuals with intellectual disabilities".
(1) In any bill or resolution, the Bureau of Legislative Research shall avoid all references to: (A) "Disabled"; (B) "Developmentally disabled"; (C) "Mentally disabled"; (D) "Mentally ill"; (E) "Mentally retarded"; (F) "Handicapped"; (G) "Cripple"; and (H) "Crippled".
(A) "Disabled";
(B) "Developmentally disabled";
(C) "Mentally disabled";
(D) "Mentally ill";
(E) "Mentally retarded";
(F) "Handicapped";
(G) "Cripple"; and
(H) "Crippled".
(2) The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall change such references in any existing statute or resolution as sections including these references are republished or otherwise amended by law.
(3) The Bureau of Legislative Research and the Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall replace the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the following terms: (A) "Individuals with disabilities"; (B) "Individuals with developmental disabilities"; (C) "Individuals with mental illness"; and (D) "Individuals with intellectual disabilities".
(A) "Individuals with disabilities";
(B) "Individuals with developmental disabilities";
(C) "Individuals with mental illness"; and
(D) "Individuals with intellectual disabilities".
section with the following terms: (A) "Individuals with disabilities"; (B) "Individuals with developmental disabilities"; (C) "Individuals with mental illness"; and (D) "Individuals with intellectual disabilities".
(A) "Individuals with disabilities";
(B) "Individuals with developmental disabilities";
(C) "Individuals with mental illness"; and
(D) "Individuals with intellectual disabilities".
(c) (1) In any administrative rule, a state agency shall avoid the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section and shall use the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section. (2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall: (A) Replace in the Code of Arkansas Rules the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section when: (i) A section of the Code of Arkansas Rules is created or amended and the state agency did not make the change during the promulgation process; or (ii) The Bureau of Legislative Research identifies in a section of the Code of Arkansas Rules an inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and (B) Consult with the state agency that promulgated the section of the Code of Arkansas Rules that contains the inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section when making the change. (3) If a state agency identifies a use of an inappropriate term under subdivision (b)(1) of this section in a rule, the state agency shall: (A) Promulgate a revision to the rule to replace the inappropriate term with a term under subdivision (b)(3) of this section; and (B) Request the Bureau of Legislative Research to make the change in the Code of Arkansas Rules under subdivision (c)(2) of this section. (4) As used in this subsection, "state agency" means any office, board, commission, department, council, bureau, or other agency of state government having authority by statute enacted by the General Assembly to promulgate or enforce administrative rules.
(1) In any administrative rule, a state agency shall avoid the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section and shall use the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section.
(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall: (A) Replace in the Code of Arkansas Rules the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section when: (i) A section of the Code of Arkansas Rules is created or amended and the state agency did not make the change during the promulgation process; or (ii) The Bureau of Legislative Research identifies in a section of the Code of Arkansas Rules an inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and (B) Consult with the state agency that promulgated the section of the Code of Arkansas Rules that contains the inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section when making the change.
(A) Replace in the Code of Arkansas Rules the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section when: (i) A section of the Code of Arkansas Rules is created or amended and the state agency did not make the change during the promulgation process; or (ii) The Bureau of Legislative Research identifies in a section of the Code of Arkansas Rules an inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and
subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section when: (i) A section of the Code of Arkansas Rules is created or amended and the state agency did not make the change during the promulgation process; or (ii) The Bureau of Legislative Research identifies in a section of the Code of Arkansas Rules an inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and
(i) A section of the Code of Arkansas Rules is created or amended and the state agency did not make the change during the promulgation process; or
(ii) The Bureau of Legislative Research identifies in a section of the Code of Arkansas Rules an inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and
(B) Consult with the state agency that promulgated the section of the Code of Arkansas Rules that contains the inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section when making the change.
(3) If a state agency identifies a use of an inappropriate term under subdivision (b)(1) of this section in a rule, the state agency shall: (A) Promulgate a revision to the rule to replace the inappropriate term with a term under subdivision (b)(3) of this section; and (B) Request the Bureau of Legislative Research to make the change in the Code of Arkansas Rules under subdivision (c)(2) of this section.
(A) Promulgate a revision to the rule to replace the inappropriate term with a term under subdivision (b)(3) of this section; and
(B) Request the Bureau of Legislative Research to make the change in the Code of Arkansas Rules under subdivision (c)(2) of this section.
(4) As used in this subsection, "state agency" means any office, board, commission, department, council, bureau, or other agency of state government having authority by statute enacted by the General Assembly to promulgate or enforce administrative rules.
(d) A statute, resolution, or rule is not invalid because it does not comply with this section.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 64,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 377,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 2007, No. 515, § 1; 2009, No. 975, § 1; 2011, No. 98, § 1.
r other agency of state government having authority by statute enacted by the General Assembly to promulgate or enforce administrative rules. (d) A statute, resolution, or rule is not invalid because it does not comply with this section. Amended by Act 2021, No. 64,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 377,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 2007, No. 515, § 1; 2009, No. 975, § 1; 2011, No. 98, § 1.
(a) (1) The General Assembly recognizes that language used in reference to individuals with disabilities shapes and reflects society's attitudes toward people with disabilities. Many of the terms currently used demean the humanity and natural condition of having a disability. Certain terms are demeaning and create an invisible barrier to inclusion as equal community members. (2) The General Assembly finds it necessary to clarify preferred language for new and revised laws and administrative rules by requiring the use of terminology that puts the person before the disability.
(1) The General Assembly recognizes that language used in reference to individuals with disabilities shapes and reflects society's attitudes toward people with disabilities. Many of the terms currently used demean the humanity and natural condition of having a disability. Certain terms are demeaning and create an invisible barrier to inclusion as equal community members.
(2) The General Assembly finds it necessary to clarify preferred language for new and revised laws and administrative rules by requiring the use of terminology that puts the person before the disability.
(b) (1) In any bill or resolution, the Bureau of Legislative Research shall avoid all references to: (A) "Disabled"; (B) "Developmentally disabled"; (C) "Mentally disabled"; (D) "Mentally ill"; (E) "Mentally retarded"; (F) "Handicapped"; (G) "Cripple"; and (H) "Crippled". (2) The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall change such references in any existing statute or resolution as sections including these references are republished or otherwise amended by law. (3) The Bureau of Legislative Research and the Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall replace the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the following terms: (A) "Individuals with disabilities"; (B) "Individuals with developmental disabilities"; (C) "Individuals with mental illness"; and (D) "Individuals with intellectual disabilities".
(1) In any bill or resolution, the Bureau of Legislative Research shall avoid all references to: (A) "Disabled"; (B) "Developmentally disabled"; (C) "Mentally disabled"; (D) "Mentally ill"; (E) "Mentally retarded"; (F) "Handicapped"; (G) "Cripple"; and (H) "Crippled".
(A) "Disabled";
(B) "Developmentally disabled";
(C) "Mentally disabled";
(D) "Mentally ill";
(E) "Mentally retarded";
(F) "Handicapped";
(G) "Cripple"; and
(H) "Crippled".
(2) The Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall change such references in any existing statute or resolution as sections including these references are republished or otherwise amended by law.
(3) The Bureau of Legislative Research and the Arkansas Code Revision Commission shall replace the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the following terms: (A) "Individuals with disabilities"; (B) "Individuals with developmental disabilities"; (C) "Individuals with mental illness"; and (D) "Individuals with intellectual disabilities".
(A) "Individuals with disabilities";
(B) "Individuals with developmental disabilities";
(C) "Individuals with mental illness"; and
(D) "Individuals with intellectual disabilities".
section with the following terms: (A) "Individuals with disabilities"; (B) "Individuals with developmental disabilities"; (C) "Individuals with mental illness"; and (D) "Individuals with intellectual disabilities".
(A) "Individuals with disabilities";
(B) "Individuals with developmental disabilities";
(C) "Individuals with mental illness"; and
(D) "Individuals with intellectual disabilities".
(c) (1) In any administrative rule, a state agency shall avoid the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section and shall use the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section. (2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall: (A) Replace in the Code of Arkansas Rules the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section when: (i) A section of the Code of Arkansas Rules is created or amended and the state agency did not make the change during the promulgation process; or (ii) The Bureau of Legislative Research identifies in a section of the Code of Arkansas Rules an inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and (B) Consult with the state agency that promulgated the section of the Code of Arkansas Rules that contains the inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section when making the change. (3) If a state agency identifies a use of an inappropriate term under subdivision (b)(1) of this section in a rule, the state agency shall: (A) Promulgate a revision to the rule to replace the inappropriate term with a term under subdivision (b)(3) of this section; and (B) Request the Bureau of Legislative Research to make the change in the Code of Arkansas Rules under subdivision (c)(2) of this section. (4) As used in this subsection, "state agency" means any office, board, commission, department, council, bureau, or other agency of state government having authority by statute enacted by the General Assembly to promulgate or enforce administrative rules.
(1) In any administrative rule, a state agency shall avoid the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section and shall use the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section.
(2) The Bureau of Legislative Research shall: (A) Replace in the Code of Arkansas Rules the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section when: (i) A section of the Code of Arkansas Rules is created or amended and the state agency did not make the change during the promulgation process; or (ii) The Bureau of Legislative Research identifies in a section of the Code of Arkansas Rules an inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and (B) Consult with the state agency that promulgated the section of the Code of Arkansas Rules that contains the inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section when making the change.
(A) Replace in the Code of Arkansas Rules the inappropriate terms in subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section when: (i) A section of the Code of Arkansas Rules is created or amended and the state agency did not make the change during the promulgation process; or (ii) The Bureau of Legislative Research identifies in a section of the Code of Arkansas Rules an inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and
subdivision (b)(1) of this section with the terms in subdivision (b)(3) of this section when: (i) A section of the Code of Arkansas Rules is created or amended and the state agency did not make the change during the promulgation process; or (ii) The Bureau of Legislative Research identifies in a section of the Code of Arkansas Rules an inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and
(i) A section of the Code of Arkansas Rules is created or amended and the state agency did not make the change during the promulgation process; or
(ii) The Bureau of Legislative Research identifies in a section of the Code of Arkansas Rules an inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and
(B) Consult with the state agency that promulgated the section of the Code of Arkansas Rules that contains the inappropriate term in subdivision (b)(1) of this section when making the change.
(3) If a state agency identifies a use of an inappropriate term under subdivision (b)(1) of this section in a rule, the state agency shall: (A) Promulgate a revision to the rule to replace the inappropriate term with a term under subdivision (b)(3) of this section; and (B) Request the Bureau of Legislative Research to make the change in the Code of Arkansas Rules under subdivision (c)(2) of this section.
(A) Promulgate a revision to the rule to replace the inappropriate term with a term under subdivision (b)(3) of this section; and
(B) Request the Bureau of Legislative Research to make the change in the Code of Arkansas Rules under subdivision (c)(2) of this section.
(4) As used in this subsection, "state agency" means any office, board, commission, department, council, bureau, or other agency of state government having authority by statute enacted by the General Assembly to promulgate or enforce administrative rules.
(d) A statute, resolution, or rule is not invalid because it does not comply with this section.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 64,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 377,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 2007, No. 515, § 1; 2009, No. 975, § 1; 2011, No. 98, § 1.
Status: in_force
Need a lawyer in Arkansas?
Find a Arkansas lawyer
About this page: Statute text is reproduced from official government publishers via the
Open US Law dataset
(Vaquill AI, snapshot v2026.08, CC BY 4.0). Primary legislative text like this is public domain under the government-edicts doctrine
(Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 2020). We link every section back to its official source so you can verify it independently.