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By Greg deGiere, Civil Rights Advocate, The Arc California
AB 1906, a bill sponsored by The Arc & United Cerebral Palsy California Collaboration, passed the Legislature last week and is headed to Governor Gavin Newsom for signature. If signed into law, this bill would eliminate the terms “dependent adult” and “dependent person,” which are considered misleading and confusing terms for adults with disabilities.
AB 1906, authored by Assemblyman Mike Gipson, passed the Senate 40-0 and the Assembly 77-0, marking a huge step forward in respect for adults with disabilities, and increased safety.
This bill directs the Law Revision Commission to develop comprehensive language to remove the terms “dependent adult” and “dependent person” from the state laws protecting people with disabilities. After hearing from people with disabilities and disability organizations, the commission will recommend new terms to replace these old ones. The commission will present its language to the Legislature for action.
“Dependent adult” and “dependent person” are misleading because many adults with disabilities live independently. These terms often confuse law enforcement officers, prosecutors, social workers, and even crime victims and their families to think that many people with disabilities are excluded from the law’s protections because they are assumed “dependent” on a caregiver. Equally importantly, the word “dependent” demeans some people with disabilities, who live independently.
AB 1906 only covers the legal language and does not compromise an individual’s basic human right to use whatever terms they choose to describe themselves.
The bill has support from many organizations, including the Administrators Association of San Diego City Schools; California Disability Services Association; California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association; Educate. Advocate; and Showing Up for Racial Justice North County San Diego.
The last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature is September 30, 2024.