BY WESLEY P. HESTER

A bill to replace the terms “mental retardation,” “mentally retarded,” “mentally deficient,” “mentally defective” and others in the state code is likely to clear the House of Delegates Friday after debate on Thursday.

Those terms would be replaced with “intellectual deficiency” and “individual with intellectual disability” among others under House Bill 552, sponsored by Del. T. Scott Garrett Jr., R-Lynchburg.

The fix was proposed on behalf of disability groups to update the code with “proper terminology” deemed less offensive than current language.   

Del. C. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, said he would vote for the bill, but voted against it previously to make a point.

“We cannot legislate people being nice to each other,” he said.  

Another measure that would allow ABC stores to open before 1 p.m. on Sundays is also poised to pass the House Friday.

House Bill 896, sponsored by Del. David B. Albo, R-Fairfax, would allow the state’s ABC board to determine Sunday hours of operation. Currently, state law mandates that stores not open prior to 1 p.m.

“Next thing you know we’ll be allowing huntin’ on Sundays,” joked Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford.