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, solely by reason of their disability, face discrimination. The bill specifies that if any provision of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination based on disability in federally funded programs or activities, is repealed or declared invalid by federal action, Rhode Island law will continue to enforce the protections that were in effect immediately prior to the repeal or nullification. This includes maintaining the prohibition against discrimination based on disability as outlined in 29 U.S.C. 794 and any implementing regulations. The provisions of this section are to be interpreted broadly to ensure that individuals with disabilities retain their rights under state law. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6122: 42-87-2