Costa Mesa Assm. Allan Mansoor says the word "retarded" is outdated and offensive. He wants the state to use the phrase "intellectually disabled" instead.
"We feel that's a more respectful term. We feel it's important to have the state set the tone and this is going to change the wording in the code and and bring it up to date," Mansoor said.
Supporters of the bill include the Special Olympics and former California first lady Maria Shriver.
A 2010 law signed by President Obama removed the word "retardation" from all federal laws