Tag: AB 1906

Governor Newsom Signs AB 1906 to Eliminate Confusing Terminology “Dependent Adults”

By Greg deGiere, Civil Rights Advocate, The Arc of California

We are very excited to announce that AB 1906, a bill sponsored by The Arc & United Cerebral Palsy California Collaboration, has been signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. Passage of this bill is the first major step on a long road to eliminating the terms “dependent adult” and “dependent person,” which are considered misleading and confusing terms for adults with disabilities.

Many people feel using the word “dependent” to refer to all adults with disabilities is insulting and even disrespectful, as many adults live independently. AB 1906, authored by Assemblymember Mike Gipson, will also minimize confusion and increase safety. The terms “dependent persons” and “dependent adults” too often lead police, social workers, and even people with disabilities themselves to think they aren’t covered by the state’s legal protections because they live independently.

“I stand in support of some of our most vulnerable communities to eliminate misleading and offensive terms from statute. We must continue to advocate for these communities and work together until language in statute is inclusive and no longer offensive,” said Gipson during a hearing in support of AB 1906. The bill passed the Legislature with unanimous support last month.

The bill begins a process leading to replacing the old terms with new ones to be selected after hearing from the disability community. It directs the Law Revision Commission, in cooperation with a working group including disability community representatives, to settle on the new terms, develop detailed amendments to the law codes, and recommend them to the Legislature. The commission and working group may take up to two years or more to begin the study due to workload backup and state budget limitations.

AB 1906 Goes to Governor for Signature, Requiring the State to Change Confusing “Dependent Adult” Language

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.

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