Nevada § 220.125 - References in NRS to certain persons and matters to be made using respectful or appropriate language

Full text of Nevada Nevada Revised Statutes § 220.125 — References in NRS to certain persons and matters to be made using respectful or appropriate language, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 220.125. References in NRS to certain persons and matters to be made using respectful or appropriate language

1. The Legislative Counsel shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that persons with

physical, mental or cognitive disabilities are referred to in Nevada Revised Statutes

using language that is commonly viewed as respectful and sentence structure that refers

to the person before referring to his or her disability as follows: (a) Words and terms that are preferred for use in Nevada Revised Statutes include,

without limitation, “persons with disabilities,” “persons with mental illness,” “persons

with developmental disabilities,” “persons with intellectual disabilities” and other

words and terms that are structured in a similar manner. (b) Words and terms that are not preferred for use in Nevada Revised Statutes include,

without limitation, “disabled,” “handicapped,” “mentally disabled,” “mentally ill,”

“mentally retarded” and other words and terms that tend to equate the disability with

the person. 2. The Legislative Counsel shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that terms related

to persons affected by addictive disorders are referred to in Nevada Revised Statutes

using language that is commonly viewed as respectful and sentence structure that refers

to the person before referring to his or her disorder as follows: (a) Words and terms that are preferred for use in Nevada Revised Statutes include,

without limitation, “addictive disorder,” “persons with addictive disorders,” “person

with an addictive disorder,” “person with an addictive disorder related to gambling”

and “substance use disorder.” (b) Words and terms that are not preferred for use in Nevada Revised Statutes include,

without limitation, “addict,” “alcoholic,” “alcohol abuse,” “alcohol abuser,” “alcohol

and drug abuser,” “drug abuse,” “drug addict,” “problem gambler,” “substance abuse”

and “substance abuser.” 3. The Legislative Counsel shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that terms related

to persons with mental illness are referred to in Nevada Revised Statutes using language

that is commonly viewed as respectful and sentence structure that refers to the person

before referring to his or her illness as follows: (a) Words and terms that are preferred for use in Nevada Revised Statutes include,

without limitation, “persons with mental illness” and other words and terms that are

structured in a similar manner. (b) Words and terms that are not preferred for use in Nevada Revised Statutes include,

without limitation, “insane” and “insanity.” 4. The Legislative Counsel shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that terms related

to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing are referred to in Nevada Revised Statutes

using language that is commonly viewed as respectful and sentence structure that refers

to the person before referring to his or her condition. Words and terms that are not preferred for use in Nevada Revised Statutes include,

without limitation, “deaf and dumb.” 5. The Legislative Counsel shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that: (a) Terms related to persons living with the human immunodeficiency virus are referred

to in Nevada Revised Statutes using language that is commonly viewed as respectful

and sentence structure that refers to the person before referring to the human immunodeficiency

virus as follows: (1) Words and terms that are preferred for use in Nevada Revised Statutes include,

without limitation, “person living with the human immunodeficiency virus” and “person

diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus.” (2) Words and terms that are not preferred for use in Nevada Revised Statutes include,

without limitation, “HIV positive” and “human immunodeficiency virus positive.” (b) The human immunodeficiency virus is referred to in Nevada Revised Statutes using

language that refers only to the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV rather than using

duplicative references to both the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV and acquired

immunodeficiency syndrome, acquired immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS. (c) Duplicative references to both communicable diseases and the human immunodeficiency

virus or HIV are not used in Nevada Revised Statutes.

Source: official Nevada text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada § 220.125

What does Nevada Revised Statutes § 220.125 cover?

Section 220.125 ("References in NRS to certain persons and matters to be made using respectful or appropriate language") is part of the Nevada Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Nevada. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Nevada § 220.125?

A common citation format is "Nevada Revised Statutes § 220.125" (Nevada). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Nevada law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nevada official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nevada attorney.

How does Nevada § 220.125 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nevada can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Nevada.