Bill: SB 498, 85(R) - 2017

Bill Caption

Relating to the use of person first respectful language instead of the term "ward."

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

Under current law, individuals for which a guardian has been appointed are often referred to as a “ward.” SB 498 would require the code and governmental entities to show preference for more respectful terms, such as “person,” “person with guardian,” or “incapacitated person.”

Vote Recommendation Notes

It is within the proper authority of government to determine how it refers to individuals in statute and terms agencies use. That being said, we believe this to be an unnecessary bill and one that micromanages terms on a level that is merely consuming time and not actually making substantive policy changes. It is not prudent in our view to spend time rewriting statute to replace a well-defined, well-understood, benign term simply to accommodate a few who believe the term to be offensive. Our state should be governed based on fact and careful thought, not emotion. 

Nonetheless this legislation neither uplifts nor offends our liberty principles and we remain neutral on SB 498.

Source URL (retrieved on 05/16/2025 11:05 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/85r/sb498?print_view=true