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. The bill further provides that if any provision of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, prohibiting discrimination based on disability in federally funded programs or activities, is determined to have been repealed or declared invalid by federal judicial or executive action, the protections against discrimination as outlined in 29 U.S.C. 794 will remain in effect as they were immediately prior to the repeal or nullification. The bill emphasizes that discrimination prohibited under this chapter shall continue to include those acts prohibited on the basis of disability by 29 U.S.C. 794 and any implementing regulations in effect prior to the repeal. Additionally, it states that the provisions of this section shall be interpreted broadly to ensure the continued protection of individuals with disabilities under state law. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
887: 42-87-2