The bill amends Section 42-87-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-87, which pertains to the civil rights of people with disabilities. It establishes that no otherwise qualified person with a disability shall, solely by reason of their disability, face discrimination by any entity conducting business in the state. Additionally, it 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Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination based on disability in federally funded programs or activities, is repealed or declared invalid by a federal court or executive action, Rhode Island law will continue to prohibit such discrimination based on the regulations that were in effect immediately prior to the repeal, revocation, or nullification.

The bill further emphasizes that the provisions shall be interpreted broadly and to the fullest extent possible under state and federal law to ensure the continued protection of individuals with disabilities under this chapter and throughout the general laws of the state. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
887: 42-87-2