The bill amends Section 42-87-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-87, which addresses the civil rights of people with disabilities in Rhode Island. It establishes that no otherwise qualified person with a disability shall face discrimination solely by reason of their disability.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that protect against discrimination based on disability in the event that any provision of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is repealed or declared invalid by federal action. Specifically, it stipulates that if such a repeal occurs, the law applied in Rhode Island will be the law in effect on the date immediately prior to the repeal or nullification. The protections against discrimination as outlined in 29 U.S.C. 794 will continue to apply as they were in effect prior to the repeal.

The language emphasizes that the provisions of this section shall be interpreted broadly to ensure that individuals with disabilities continue to receive the rights and benefits afforded to them under state law. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6122: 42-87-2