Bill > SB198

This bill amends the Delaware Equal Accommodations Law to strengthen protections for individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the bill incorporates the provisions of Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (a law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs receiving federal financial assistance) into Delaware state law, using the version of the regulations as they existed on January 1, 2025. The bill clarifies that if federal or state laws provide additional rights to protected classes, these rights must be interpreted as being included in the existing law. It mandates that discrimination based on disability continue to be prohibited according to the federal Rehabilitation Act's standards. The bill also instructs that its provisions should be interpreted as broadly as possible to maximize protections for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, it establishes that any references to "Section 504" in other Delaware statutes or regulations will be understood to mean the Delaware Equal Accommodations Law, ensuring consistency and clarity in legal interpretation. This legislation aims to provide comprehensive and robust anti-discrimination protections for Delawareans with disabilities across various contexts.

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https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142663