Oklahoma § 25-40 - References to persons with disabilities
Full text of Oklahoma Oklahoma Statutes § 25-40 — References to persons with disabilities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 25-40. References to persons with disabilities
A. All new and revised statutes, administrative rules, local
laws, ordinances, charters, or regulations promulgated or any
publication published by the state or any political subdivision that
refers to persons with disabilities shall:
1. Avoid language that:
a.
implies that a person as a whole is disabled, such as
the "mentally ill" or the "learning disabled", or
b.
equates persons with their condition, such as
"epileptics", "autistics", or "quadriplegics"; and
2. Replace nonrespectful language by:
a.
referring to persons with disabilities as persons
first; for example, persons with disabilities, persons
with developmental disabilities, persons with mental
illness, persons with autism, or persons with
intellectual disabilities, and
b.
referring to terms such as "mental retardation" or
"mentally retarded" with terms such as "intellectual
disabilities" or "intellectually disabled".
B. Violation of this section shall not be grounds to invalidate
any new or revised statutes, administrative rules, local laws,
ordinances, charters, or regulations promulgated or any publication
published by the state or any political subdivision; provided,
however, such documents shall be changed to reflect the provisions
of this section in subsequent revisions.
C. Nothing in this section shall constitute a requirement to
change the name of any agency or program. Existing printed material
may be utilized until such time as supplies are required to be
replenished.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 296, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2006. Amended by Laws
2019, c. 475, § 27, eff. Nov. 1, 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma § 25-40
What does Oklahoma Statutes § 25-40 cover?
Section 25-40 ("References to persons with disabilities") is part of the Oklahoma Statutes, the codified statutory law of Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma § 25-40?
A common citation format is "Oklahoma Statutes § 25-40" (Oklahoma). 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 Oklahoma law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Oklahoma official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Oklahoma attorney.
How does Oklahoma § 25-40 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma.