AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT of 1990


S.933
One Hundred First Congress of the United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the twenty-third day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety.

An Act To establish a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability.

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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990".
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings and purposes.
Sec. 3. Definitions.

TITLE I--EMPLOYMENT
Sec. 101. Definitions.
Sec. 102. Discrimination.
Sec. 103. Defenses.
Sec. 104. Illegal use of drugs and alcohol.
Sec. 105. Posting notices.
Sec. 106. Regulations.
Sec. 107. Enforcement.
Sec. 108. Effective date.

TITLE II--PUBLIC SERVICES

Subtitle A--Prohibition Against Discrimination and Other Generally Applicable Provisions
Sec. 201. Definition.
Sec. 202. Discrimination.
Sec. 203. Enforcement.
Sec. 204. Regulations.
Sec. 205. Effective date.

Subtitle B--Actions Applicable to Public Transportation Provided by Public Entities Considered Discriminatory

Part I--Public Transportation Other Than by Aircraft or Certain Rail Operations
Sec. 221. Definitions.
Sec. 222. Public entities operating fixed route systems.
Sec. 223. Paratransit as a complement to fixed route service.
Sec. 224. Public entity operating a demand responsive system.
Sec. 225. Temporary relief where lifts are unavailable.
Sec. 226. New facilities.
Sec. 227. Alterations of existing facilities.
Sec. 228. Public transportation programs and activities in existing facilities and one car per train rule.
Sec. 229. Regulations.
Sec. 230. Interim accessibility requirements.
Sec. 231. Effective date.

Part II--Public Transportation by Intercity and Commuter Rail
Sec. 241. Definitions.
Sec. 242. Intercity and commuter rail actions considered discriminatory.
Sec. 243. Conformance of accessibility standards.
Sec. 244. Regulations.
Sec. 245. Interim accessibility requirements.
Sec. 246. Effective date.

TITLE III--PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS AND SERVICES OPERATED BY PRIVATE ENTITIES
Sec. 301. Definitions.
Sec. 302. Prohibition of discrimination by public accommodations.
Sec. 303. New construction and alterations in public accommodations and commercial facilities.
Sec. 304. Prohibition of discrimination in specified public transportation services provided by private entities.
Sec. 305. Study.
Sec. 306. Regulations.
Sec. 307. Exemptions for private clubs and religious organizations.
Sec. 308. Enforcement.
Sec. 309. Examinations and courses.
Sec. 310. Effective date.

TITLE IV--TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Sec. 401. Telecommunications relay services for hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals.
Sec. 402. Closed-captioning of public service announcements.

TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Sec. 501. Construction.
Sec. 502. State immunity.
Sec. 503. Prohibition against retaliation and coercion.
Sec. 504. Regulations by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
Sec. 505. Attorney's fees.
Sec. 506. Technical assistance.
Sec. 507. Federal wilderness areas.
Sec. 508. Transvestites.
Sec. 509. Coverage of Congress and the agencies of the legislative branch.
Sec. 510. Illegal use of drugs.
Sec. 511. Definitions.
Sec. 512. Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act.
Sec. 513. Alternative means of dispute resolution.
Sec. 514. Severability.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) some 43,000,000 Americans have one or more physical or mental
disabilities, and this number is increasing as the population as a whole is growing older;
(2) historically, society has tended to isolate and segregate
individuals with disabilities, and, despite some improvements, such forms of discrimination against individuals with disabilities continue to be a serious and pervasive social problem;
(3) discrimination against individuals with disabilities persists in such critical areas as employment, housing, public accommodations, education, transportation, communication, recreation, institutionalization, health services, voting, and access to public services;
(4) unlike individuals who have experienced discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or age, individuals who have experienced discrimination on the basis of disability have often had no legal recourse to redress such discrimination;
(5) individuals with disabilities continually encounter various forms of discrimination, including outright intentional exclusion, the discriminatory effects of architectural, transportation, and
communication barriers, overprotective rules and policies, failure to make modifications to existing facilities and practices, exclusionary qualification standards and criteria, segregation, and relegation to lesser services, programs, activities, benefits, jobs, or other opportunities;
(6) census data, national polls, and other studies have documented that people with disabilities, as a group, occupy an inferior status in our society, and are severely disadvantaged socially, vocationally, economically, and educationally;
(7) individuals with disabilities are a discrete and insular minority who have been faced with restrictions and limitations, subjected to a history of purposeful unequal treatment, and relegated to a position of
political powerlessness in our society, based on characteristics that are
beyond the control of such individuals and resulting from stereotypic
assumptions not truly indicative of the individual ability of such
individuals to participate in, and contribute to, society;
(8) the Nation's proper goals regarding individuals with disabilities
are to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent
living, and economic self-sufficiency for such individuals; and
(9) the continuing existence of unfair and unnecessary discrimination
and prejudice denies people with disabilities the opportunity to compete
on an equal basis and to pursue those opportunities for which our free
society is justifiably famous, and costs the United States billions of
dollars in unnecessary expenses resulting from dependency and
nonproductivity.
(b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act--
(1) to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the
elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities;
(2) to provide clear, strong, consistent, enforceable standards
addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities;
(3) to ensure that the Federal Government plays a central role in
enforcing the standards established in this Act on behalf of individuals
with disabilities; and
(4) to invoke the sweep of congressional authority, including the power
to enforce the fourteenth amendment and to regulate commerce, in order to
address the major areas of discrimination faced day-to-day by people with
disabilities.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act:
(1) Auxiliary aids and services.--The term "auxiliary aids and
services" includes--
(A) qualified interpreters or other effective methods of making
aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing
impairments;
(B) qualified readers, taped texts, or other effective methods of
making visually delivered materials available to individuals with
visual impairments;
(C) acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and
(D) other similar services and actions.
(2) Disability.--The term "disability" means, with respect to an
individual--
(A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one
or more of the major life activities of such individual;
(B) a record of such an impairment; or
(C) being regarded as having such an impairment.
(3) State.--The term "State" means each of the several States, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American
Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands,
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this title:
(1) Commission.--The term "Commission" means the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission established by section 705 of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e-4).
(2) Covered entity.--The term "covered entity" means an employer,
employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management
committee.
(3) Direct threat.--The term "direct threat" means a significant risk
to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by reasonable
accommodation.
(4) Employee.--The term "employee" means an individual employed by an
employer.
(5) Employer.--
(A) In general.--The term "employer" means a person engaged in an
industry affecting commerce who has 15 or more employees for each
working day in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or
preceding calendar year, and any agent of such person, except that,
for two years following the effective date of this title, an employer
means a person engaged in an industry affecting commerce who has 25
or more employees for each working day in each of 20 or more calendar
weeks in the current or preceding year, and any agent of such person.
(B) Exceptions.--The term "employer" does not include--
(i) the United States, a corporation wholly owned by the
government of the United States, or an Indian tribe; or
(ii) a bona fide private membership club (other than a labor
organization) that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(6) Illegal use of drugs.--
(A) In general.--The term "illegal use of drugs" means the use of
drugs, the possession or distribution of which is unlawful under the
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812). Such term does not include
the use of a drug taken under supervision by a licensed health care
professional, or other uses authorized by the Controlled Substances
Act or other provisions of Federal law.
(B) Drugs.--The term "drug" means a controlled substance, as
defined in schedules I through V of section 202 of the Controlled
Substances Act.
(7) Person, etc.--The terms "person", "labor organization", "employment
agency", "commerce", and "industry affecting commerce", shall have the
same meaning given such terms in section 701 of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e).
(8) Qualified individual with a disability.--The term "qualified
individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability who,
with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential
functions of the employment position that such individual holds or
desires. For the purposes of this title, consideration shall be given to
the employer's judgment as to what functions of a job are essential, and
if an employer has prepared a written description before advertising or
interviewing applicants for the job, this description shall be considered
evidence of the essential functions of the job.
(9) Reasonable accommodation.--The term "reasonable accommodation" may
include--
(A) making existing facilities used by employees readily accessible
to and usable by individuals with disabilities; and
(B) job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules,
reassignment to a vacant position, acquisition or modification of
equipment or devices, appropriate adjustment or modifications of
examinations, training materials or policies, the provision of
qualified readers or interpreters, and other similar accommodations
for individuals with disabilities.
(10) Undue hardship.--
(A) In general.--The term "undue hardship" means an action
requiring significant difficulty or expense, when considered in light
of the factors set forth in subparagraph (B).
(B) Factors to be considered.--In determining whether an
accommodation would impose an undue hardship on a covered entity,
factors to be considered include--
(i) the nature and cost of the accommodation needed under this
Act;
(ii) the overall financial resources of the facility or
facilities involved in the provision of the reasonable
accommodation; the number of persons employed at such facility;
the effect on expenses and resources, or the impact otherwise of
such accommodation upon the operation of the facility;
(iii) the overall financial resources of the covered entity;
the overall size of the business of a covered entity with respect
to the number of its employees; the number, type, and location of
its facilities; and
(iv) the type of operation or operations of the covered entity,
including the composition, structure, and functions of the
workforce of such entity; the geographic separateness,
administrative, or fiscal relationship of the facility or
facilities in question to the covered entity.

SEC. 102. DISCRIMINATION.
(a) General Rule.--No covered entity shall discriminate against a qualified
individual with a disability because of the disability of such individual in
regard to job application procedures, the hiring, advancement, or discharge
of employees, employee compensation, job training, and other terms,
conditions, and privileges of employment.
(b) Construction.--As used in subsection (a), the term "discriminate"
includes--
(1) limiting, segregating, or classifying a job applicant or employee
in a way that adversely affects the opportunities or status of such
applicant or employee because of the disability of such applicant or
employee;
(2) participating in a contractual or other arrangement or relationship
that has the effect of subjecting a covered entity's qualified applicant
or employee with a disability to the discrimination prohibited by this
title (such relationship includes a relationship with an employment or
referral agency, labor union, an organization providing fringe benefits
to an employee of the covered entity, or an organization providing
training and apprenticeship programs);
(3) utilizing standards, criteria, or methods of administration--
(A) that have the effect of discrimination on the basis of
disability; or
(B) that perpetuate the discrimination of others who are subject to
common administrative control;
(4) excluding or otherwise denying equal jobs or benefits to a
qualified individual because of the known disability of an individual
with whom the qualified individual is known to have a relationship or
association;
(5)(A) not making reasonable accommodations to the known physical or
mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability
who is an applicant or employee, unless such covered entity can
demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the
operation of the business of such covered entity; or
(B) denying employment opportunities to a job applicant or employee who
is an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, if such denial is
based on the need of such covered entity to make reasonable accommodation
to the physical or mental impairments of the employee or applicant;
(6) using qualification standards, employment tests or other selection
criteria that screen out or tend to screen out an individual with a
disability or a class of individuals with disabilities unless the
standard, test or other selection criteria, as used by the covered
entity, is shown to be job-related for the position in question and is
consistent with business necessity; and
(7) failing to select and administer tests concerning employment in the
most effective manner to ensure that, when such test is administered to a
job applicant or employee who has a disability that impairs sensory,
manual, or speaking skills, such test results accurately reflect the
skills, aptitude, or whatever other factor of such applicant or employee
that such test purports to measure, rather than reflecting the impaired
sensory, manual, or speaking skills of such employee or applicant (except
where such skills are the factors that the test purports to measure).
(c) Medical Examinations and Inquiries.--
(1) In general.--The prohibition against discrimination as referred to
in subsection (a) shall include medical examinations and inquiries.
(2) Preemployment.--
(A) Prohibited examination or inquiry.--Except as provided in
paragraph (3), a covered entity shall not conduct a medical
examination or make inquiries of a job applicant as to whether such
applicant is an individual with a disability or as to the nature or
severity of such disability.
(B) Acceptable inquiry.--A covered entity may make preemployment
inquiries into the ability of an applicant to perform job-related
functions.
(3) Employment entrance examination.--A covered entity may require a
medical examination after an offer of employment has been made to a job
applicant and prior to the commencement of the employment duties of such
applicant, and may condition an offer of employment on the results of
such examination, if--
(A) all entering employees are subjected to such an examination
regardless of disability;
(B) information obtained regarding the medical condition or history
of the applicant is collected and maintained on separate forms and in
separate medical files and is treated as a confidential medical
record, except that--
(i) supervisors and managers may be informed regarding
necessary restrictions on the work or duties of the employee and
necessary accommodations;
(ii) first aid and safety personnel may be informed, when
appropriate, if the disability might require emergency treatment;
and
(iii) government officials investigating compliance with this
Act shall be provided relevant information on request; and
(C) the results of such examination are used only in accordance
with this title.
(4) Examination and inquiry.--
(A) Prohibited examinations and inquiries.--A covered entity shall
not require a medical examination and shall not make inquiries of an
employee as to whether such employee is an individual with a
disability or as to the nature or severity of the disability, unless
such examination or inquiry is shown to be job-related and consistent
with business necessity.
(B) Acceptable examinations and inquiries.--A covered entity may
conduct voluntary medical examinations, including voluntary medical
histories, which are part of an employee health program available to
employees at that work site. A covered entity may make inquiries into
the ability of an employee to perform job-related functions.
(C) Requirement.--Information obtained under subparagraph (B)
regarding the medical condition or history of any employee are
subject to the requirements of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph
(3).

SEC. 103. DEFENSES.
(a) In General.--It may be a defense to a charge of discrimination under
this Act that an alleged application of qualification standards, tests, or
selection criteria that screen out or tend to screen out or otherwise deny a
job or benefit to an individual with a disability has been shown to be job-
related and consistent with business necessity, and such performance cannot
be accomplished by reasonable accommodation, as required under this title.
(b) Qualification Standards.--The term "qualification standards" may
include a requirement that an individual shall not pose a direct threat to
the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
(c) Religious Entities.--
(1) In general.--This title shall not prohibit a religious corporation,
association, educational institution, or society from giving preference
in employment to individuals of a particular religion to perform work
connected with the carrying on by such corporation, association,
educational institution, or society of its activities.
(2) Religious tenets requirement.--Under this title, a religious
organization may require that all applicants and employees conform to the
religious tenets of such organization.
(d) List of Infectious and Communicable Diseases.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, not later
than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, shall--
(A) review all infectious and communicable diseases which may be
transmitted through handling the food supply;
(B) publish a list of infectious and communicable diseases which
are transmitted through handling the food supply;
(C) publish the methods by which such diseases are transmitted; and
(D) widely disseminate such information regarding the list of
diseases and their modes of transmissability to the general public.
Such list shall be updated annually.
(2) Applications.--In any case in which an individual has an infectious
or communicable disease that is transmitted to others through the
handling of food, that is included on the list developed by the Secretary
of Health and Human Services under paragraph (1), and which cannot be
eliminated by reasonable accommodation, a covered entity may refuse to
assign or continue to assign such individual to a job involving food
handling.
(3) Construction.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to preempt,
modify, or amend any State, county, or local law, ordinance, or
regulation applicable to food handling which is designed to protect the
public health from individuals who pose a significant risk to the health
or safety of others, which cannot be eliminated by reasonable
accommodation, pursuant to the list of infectious or communicable
diseases and the modes of transmissability published by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services.

SEC. 104. ILLEGAL USE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL.
(a) Qualified Individual With a Disability.--For purposes of this title,
the term "qualified individual with a disability" shall not include any
employee or applicant who is currently engaging in the illegal use of drugs,
when the covered entity acts on the basis of such use.
(b) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to
exclude as a qualified individual with a disability an individual who--
(1) has successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program
and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs, or has otherwise
been rehabilitated successfully and is no longer engaging in such use;
(2) is participating in a supervised rehabilitation program and is no
longer engaging in such use; or
(3) is erroneously regarded as engaging in such use, but is not
engaging in such use;
except that it shall not be a violation of this Act for a covered entity to
adopt or administer reasonable policies or procedures, including but not
limited to drug testing, designed to ensure that an individual described in
paragraph (1) or (2) is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs.
(c) Authority of Covered Entity.--A covered entity--
(1) may prohibit the illegal use of drugs and the use of alcohol at the
workplace by all employees;
(2) may require that employees shall not be under the influence of
alcohol or be engaging in the illegal use of drugs at the workplace;
(3) may require that employees behave in conformance with the
requirements established under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41
U.S.C. 701 et seq.);
(4) may hold an employee who engages in the illegal use of drugs or who
is an alcoholic to the same qualification standards for employment or job
performance and behavior that such entity holds other employees, even if
any unsatisfactory performance or behavior is related to the drug use or
alcoholism of such employee; and
(5) may, with respect to Federal regulations regarding alcohol and the
illegal use of drugs, require that--
(A) employees comply with the standards established in such
regulations of the Department of Defense, if the employees of the
covered entity are employed in an industry subject to such
regulations, including complying with regulations (if any) that apply
to employment in sensitive positions in such an industry, in the case
of employees of the covered entity who are employed in such positions
(as defined in the regulations of the Department of Defense);
(B) employees comply with the standards established in such
regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, if the employees of
the covered entity are employed in an industry subject to such
regulations, including complying with regulations (if any) that apply
to employment in sensitive positions in such an industry, in the case
of employees of the covered entity who are employed in such positions
(as defined in the regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission);
and
(C) employees comply with the standards established in such
regulations of the Department of Transportation, if the employees of
the covered entity are employed in a transportation industry subject
to such regulations, including complying with such regulations (if
any) that apply to employment in sensitive positions in such an
industry, in the case of employees of the covered entity who are
employed in such positions (as defined in the regulations of the
Department of Transportation).
(d) Drug Testing.--
(1) In general.--For purposes of this title, a test to determine the
illegal use of drugs shall not be considered a medical examination.
(2) Construction.--Nothing in this title shall be construed to
encourage, prohibit, or authorize the conducting of drug testing for the
illegal use of drugs by job applicants or employees or making employment
decisions based on such test results.
(e) Transportation Employees.--Nothing in this title shall be construed to
encourage, prohibit, restrict, or authorize the otherwise lawful exercise by
entities subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation of
authority to--
(1) test employees of such entities in, and applicants for, positions
involving safety-sensitive duties for the illegal use of drugs and for
on-duty impairment by alcohol; and
(2) remove such persons who test positive for illegal use of drugs and
on-duty impairment by alcohol pursuant to paragraph (1) from safety-
sensitive duties in implementing subsection (c).

SEC. 105. POSTING NOTICES.
Every employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-
management committee covered under this title shall post notices in an
accessible format to applicants, employees, and members describing the
applicable provisions of this Act, in the manner prescribed by section 711 of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e-10).

SEC. 106. REGULATIONS.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Commission shall issue regulations in an accessible format to carry out this
title in accordance with subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States
Code.

SEC. 107. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Powers, Remedies, and Procedures.--The powers, remedies, and procedures
set forth in sections 705, 706, 707, 709, and 710 of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e-4, 2000e-5, 2000e-6, 2000e-8, and 2000e-9) shall be the
powers, remedies, and procedures this title provides to the Commission, to
the Attorney General, or to any person alleging discrimination on the basis
of disability in violation of any provision of this Act, or regulations
promulgated under section 106, concerning employment.
(b) Coordination.--The agencies with enforcement authority for actions
which allege employment discrimination under this title and under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 shall develop procedures to ensure that
administrative complaints filed under this title and under the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 are dealt with in a manner that avoids duplication of effort and
prevents imposition of inconsistent or conflicting standards for the same
requirements under this title and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The
Commission, the Attorney General, and the Office of Federal Contract
Compliance Programs shall establish such coordinating mechanisms (similar to
provisions contained in the joint regulations promulgated by the Commission
and the Attorney General at part 42 of title 28 and part 1691 of title 29,
Code of Federal Regulations, and the Memorandum of Understanding between the
Commission and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs dated
January 16, 1981 (46 Fed. Reg. 7435, January 23, 1981)) in regulations
implementing this title and Rehabilitation Act of 1973 not later than 18
months after the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 108. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This title shall become effective 24 months after the date of enactment.

SEC. 201. DEFINITION.
As used in this title:
(1) Public entity.--The term "public entity" means--
(A) any State or local government;
(B) any department, agency, special purpose district, or other
instrumentality of a State or States or local government; and
(C) the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, and any commuter
authority (as defined in section 103(8) of the Rail Passenger Service
Act).
(2) Qualified individual with a disability.--The term "qualified
individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability who,
with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or
practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation
barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the
essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the
participation in programs or activities provided by a public entity.

SEC. 202. DISCRIMINATION.
Subject to the provisions of this title, no qualified individual with a
disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from
participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or
activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such
entity.

SEC. 203. ENFORCEMENT.
The remedies, procedures, and rights set forth in section 505 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794a) shall be the remedies,
procedures, and rights this title provides to any person alleging
discrimination on the basis of disability in violation of section 202.

SEC. 204. REGULATIONS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Attorney General shall promulgate regulations in an accessible
format that implement this subtitle. Such regulations shall not include any
matter within the scope of the authority of the Secretary of Transportation
under section 223, 229, or 244.
(b) Relationship to Other Regulations.--Except for "program accessibility,
existing facilities", and "communications", regulations under subsection (a)
shall be consistent with this Act and with the coordination regulations under
part 41 of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations (as promulgated by the
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare on January 13, 1978), applicable
to recipients of Federal financial assistance under section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794). With respect to "program
accessibility, existing facilities", and "communications", such regulations
shall be consistent with regulations and analysis as in part 39 of title 28
of the Code of Federal Regulations, applicable to federally conducted
activities under such section 504.
(c) Standards.--Regulations under subsection (a) shall include standards
applicable to facilities and vehicles covered by this subtitle, other than
facilities, stations, rail passenger cars, and vehicles covered by subtitle
B. Such standards shall be consistent with the minimum guidelines and
requirements issued by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board in accordance with section 504(a) of this Act.

SEC. 205. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) General Rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this subtitle
shall become effective 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Exception.--Section 204 shall become effective on the date of enactment
of this Act.

SEC. 221. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this part:
(1) Demand responsive system.--The term "demand responsive system"
means any system of providing designated public transportation which is
not a fixed route system.
(2) Designated public transportation.--The term "designated public
transportation" means transportation (other than public school
transportation) by bus, rail, or any other conveyance (other than
transportation by aircraft or intercity or commuter rail transportation
(as defined in section 241)) that provides the general public with
general or special service (including charter service) on a regular and
continuing basis.
(3) Fixed route system.--The term "fixed route system" means a system
of providing designated public transportation on which a vehicle is
operated along a prescribed route according to a fixed schedule.
(4) Operates.--The term "operates", as used with respect to a fixed
route system or demand responsive system, includes operation of such
system by a person under a contractual or other arrangement or
relationship with a public entity.
(5) Public school transportation.--The term "public school
transportation" means transportation by schoolbus vehicles of
schoolchildren, personnel, and equipment to and from a public elementary
or secondary school and school-related activities.
(6) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of
Transportation.

SEC. 222. PUBLIC ENTITIES OPERATING FIXED ROUTE SYSTEMS.
(a) Purchase and Lease of New Vehicles.--It shall be considered
discrimination for purposes of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for a public entity which operates
a fixed route system to purchase or lease a new bus, a new rapid rail
vehicle, a new light rail vehicle, or any other new vehicle to be used on
such system, if the solicitation for such purchase or lease is made after the
30th day following the effective date of this subsection and if such bus,
rail vehicle, or other vehicle is not readily accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.
(b) Purchase and Lease of Used Vehicles.--Subject to subsection (c)(1), it
shall be considered discrimination for purposes of section 202 of this Act
and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for a
public entity which operates a fixed route system to purchase or lease, after
the 30th day following the effective date of this subsection, a used vehicle
for use on such system unless such entity makes demonstrated good faith
efforts to purchase or lease a used vehicle for use on such system that is
readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including
individuals who use wheelchairs.
(c) Remanufactured Vehicles.--
(1) General rule.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be
considered discrimination for purposes of section 202 of this Act and
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for a
public entity which operates a fixed route system--
(A) to remanufacture a vehicle for use on such system so as to
extend its usable life for 5 years or more, which remanufacture
begins (or for which the solicitation is made) after the 30th day
following the effective date of this subsection; or
(B) to purchase or lease for use on such system a remanufactured
vehicle which has been remanufactured so as to extend its usable life
for 5 years or more, which purchase or lease occurs after such 30th
day and during the period in which the usable life is extended;
unless, after remanufacture, the vehicle is, to the maximum extent
feasible, readily accessible to and usable by individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.
(2) Exception for historic vehicles.--
(A) General rule.--If a public entity operates a fixed route system
any segment of which is included on the National Register of Historic
Places and if making a vehicle of historic character to be used
solely on such segment readily accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities would significantly alter the historic
character of such vehicle, the public entity only has to make (or to
purchase or lease a remanufactured vehicle with) those modifications
which are necessary to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) and
which do not significantly alter the historic character of such
vehicle.
(B) Vehicles of historic character defined by regulations.--For
purposes of this paragraph and section 228(b), a vehicle of historic
character shall be defined by the regulations issued by the Secretary
to carry out this subsection.

SEC. 223. PARATRANSIT AS A COMPLEMENT TO FIXED ROUTE SERVICE.
(a) General Rule.--It shall be considered discrimination for purposes of
section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 794) for a public entity which operates a fixed route system (other
than a system which provides solely commuter bus service) to fail to provide
with respect to the operations of its fixed route system, in accordance with
this section, paratransit and other special transportation services to
individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs,
that are sufficient to provide to such individuals a level of service (1)
which is comparable to the level of designated public transportation services
provided to individuals without disabilities using such system; or (2) in the
case of response time, which is comparable, to the extent practicable, to the
level of designated public transportation services provided to individuals
without disabilities using such system.
(b) Issuance of Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the effective
date of this subsection, the Secretary shall issue final regulations to carry
out this section.
(c) Required Contents of Regulations.--
(1) Eligible recipients of service.--The regulations issued under this
section shall require each public entity which operates a fixed route
system to provide the paratransit and other special transportation
services required under this section--
(A)(i) to any individual with a disability who is unable, as a
result of a physical or mental impairment (including a vision
impairment) and without the assistance of another individual (except
an operator of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance
device), to board, ride, or disembark from any vehicle on the system
which is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with
disabilities;
(ii) to any individual with a disability who needs the assistance
of a wheelchair lift or other boarding assistance device (and is able
with such assistance) to board, ride, and disembark from any vehicle
which is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with
disabilities if the individual wants to travel on a route on the
system during the hours of operation of the system at a time (or
within a reasonable period of such time) when such a vehicle is not
being used to provide designated public transportation on the route;
and
(iii) to any individual with a disability who has a specific
impairment-related condition which prevents such individual from
traveling to a boarding location or from a disembarking location on
such system;
(B) to one other individual accompanying the individual with the
disability; and
(C) to other individuals, in addition to the one individual
described in subparagraph (B), accompanying the individual with a
disability provided that space for these additional individuals is
available on the paratransit vehicle carrying the individual with a
disability and that the transportation of such additional individuals
will not result in a denial of service to individuals with
disabilities.
For purposes of clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A), boarding or
disembarking from a vehicle does not include travel to the boarding
location or from the disembarking location.
(2) Service area.--The regulations issued under this section shall
require the provision of paratransit and special transportation services
required under this section in the service area of each public entity
which operates a fixed route system, other than any portion of the
service area in which the public entity solely provides commuter bus
service.
(3) Service criteria.--Subject to paragraphs (1) and (2), the
regulations issued under this section shall establish minimum service
criteria for determining the level of services to be required under this
section.
(4) Undue financial burden limitation.--The regulations issued under
this section shall provide that, if the public entity is able to
demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the provision of
paratransit and other special transportation services otherwise required
under this section would impose an undue financial burden on the public
entity, the public entity, notwithstanding any other provision of this
section (other than paragraph (5)), shall only be required to provide
such services to the extent that providing such services would not impose
such a burden.
(5) Additional services.--The regulations issued under this section
shall establish circumstances under which the Secretary may require a
public entity to provide, notwithstanding paragraph (4), paratransit and
other special transportation services under this section beyond the level
of paratransit and other special transportation services which would
otherwise be required under paragraph (4).
(6) Public participation.--The regulations issued under this section
shall require that each public entity which operates a fixed route system
hold a public hearing, provide an opportunity for public comment, and
consult with individuals with disabilities in preparing its plan under
paragraph (7).
(7) Plans.--The regulations issued under this section shall require
that each public entity which operates a fixed route system--
(A) within 18 months after the effective date of this subsection,
submit to the Secretary, and commence implementation of, a plan for
providing paratransit and other special transportation services which
meets the requirements of this section; and
(B) on an annual basis thereafter, submit to the Secretary, and
commence implementation of, a plan for providing such services.
(8) Provision of services by others.--The regulations issued under this
section shall--
(A) require that a public entity submitting a plan to the Secretary
under this section identify in the plan any person or other public
entity which is providing a paratransit or other special
transportation service for individuals with disabilities in the
service area to which the plan applies; and
(B) provide that the public entity submitting the plan does not
have to provide under the plan such service for individuals with
disabilities.
(9) Other provisions.--The regulations issued under this section shall
include such other provisions and requirements as the Secretary
determines are necessary to carry out the objectives of this section.
(d) Review of Plan.--
(1) General rule.--The Secretary shall review a plan submitted under
this section for the purpose of determining whether or not such plan
meets the requirements of this section, including the regulations issued
under this section.
(2) Disapproval.--If the Secretary determines that a plan reviewed
under this subsection fails to meet the requirements of this section, the
Secretary shall disapprove the plan and notify the public entity which
submitted the plan of such disapproval and the reasons therefor.
(3) Modification of disapproved plan.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of disapproval of a plan under this subsection, the public entity
which submitted the plan shall modify the plan to meet the requirements
of this section and shall submit to the Secretary, and commence
implementation of, such modified plan.
(e) Discrimination Defined.--As used in subsection (a), the term
"discrimination" includes--
(1) a failure of a public entity to which the regulations issued under
this section apply to submit, or commence implementation of, a plan in
accordance with subsections (c)(6) and (c)(7);
(2) a failure of such entity to submit, or commence implementation of,
a modified plan in accordance with subsection (d)(3);
(3) submission to the Secretary of a modified plan under subsection
(d)(3) which does not meet the requirements of this section; or
(4) a failure of such entity to provide paratransit or other special
transportation services in accordance with the plan or modified plan the
public entity submitted to the Secretary under this section.
(f) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as
preventing a public entity--
(1) from providing paratransit or other special transportation services
at a level which is greater than the level of such services which are
required by this section,
(2) from providing paratransit or other special transportation services
in addition to those paratransit and special transportation services
required by this section, or
(3) from providing such services to individuals in addition to those
individuals to whom such services are required to be provided by this
section.

SEC. 224. PUBLIC ENTITY OPERATING A DEMAND RESPONSIVE SYSTEM.
If a public entity operates a demand responsive system, it shall be
considered discrimination, for purposes of section 202 of this Act and
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), for such
entity to purchase or lease a new vehicle for use on such system, for which a
solicitation is made after the 30th day following the effective date of this
section, that is not readily accessible to and usable by individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs, unless such system,
when viewed in its entirety, provides a level of service to such individuals
equivalent to the level of service such system provides to individuals
without disabilities.

SEC. 225. TEMPORARY RELIEF WHERE LIFTS ARE UNAVAILABLE.
(a) Granting.--With respect to the purchase of new buses, a public entity
may apply for, and the Secretary may temporarily relieve such public entity
from the obligation under section 222(a) or 224 to purchase new buses that
are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities if such
public entity demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary--
(1) that the initial solicitation for new buses made by the public
entity specified that all new buses were to be lift-equipped and were to
be otherwise accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities;
(2) the unavailability from any qualified manufacturer of hydraulic,
electromechanical, or other lifts for such new buses;
(3) that the public entity seeking temporary relief has made good faith
efforts to locate a qualified manufacturer to supply the lifts to the
manufacturer of such buses in sufficient time to comply with such
solicitation; and
(4) that any further delay in purchasing new buses necessary to obtain
such lifts would significantly impair transportation services in the
community served by the public entity.
(b) Duration and Notice to Congress.--Any relief granted under subsection
(a) shall be limited in duration by a specified date, and the appropriate
committees of Congress shall be notified of any such relief granted.
(c) Fraudulent Application.--If, at any time, the Secretary has reasonable
cause to believe that any relief granted under subsection (a) was
fraudulently applied for, the Secretary shall--
(1) cancel such relief if such relief is still in effect; and
(2) take such other action as the Secretary considers appropriate.

SEC. 226. NEW FACILITIES.
For purposes of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), it shall be considered
discrimination for a public entity to construct a new facility to be used in
the provision of designated public transportation services unless such
facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.

SEC. 227. ALTERATIONS OF EXISTING FACILITIES.
(a) General Rule.--With respect to alterations of an existing facility or
part thereof used in the provision of designated public transportation
services that affect or could affect the usability of the facility or part
thereof, it shall be considered discrimination, for purposes of section 202
of this Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
794), for a public entity to fail to make such alterations (or to ensure that
the alterations are made) in such a manner that, to the maximum extent
feasible, the altered portions of the facility are readily accessible to and
usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use
wheelchairs, upon the completion of such alterations. Where the public entity
is undertaking an alteration that affects or could affect usability of or
access to an area of the facility containing a primary function, the entity
shall also make the alterations in such a manner that, to the maximum extent
feasible, the path of travel to the altered area and the bathrooms,
telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area, are readily
accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including
individuals who use wheelchairs, upon completion of such alterations, where
such alterations to the path of travel or the bathrooms, telephones, and
drinking fountains serving the altered area are not disproportionate to the
overall alterations in terms of cost and scope (as determined under criteria
established by the Attorney General).
(b) Special Rule for Stations.--
(1) General rule.--For purposes of section 202 of this Act and section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), it shall be
considered discrimination for a public entity that provides designated
public transportation to fail, in accordance with the provisions of this
subsection, to make key stations (as determined under criteria
established by the Secretary by regulation) in rapid rail and light rail
systems readily accessible to and usable by individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.
(2) Rapid rail and light rail key stations.--
(A) Accessibility.--Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph,
all key stations (as determined under criteria established by the
Secretary by regulation) in rapid rail and light rail systems shall
be made readily accessible to and usable by individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs, as soon as
practicable but in no event later than the last day of the 3-year
period beginning on the effective date of this paragraph.
(B) Extension for extraordinarily expensive structural changes.--
The Secretary may extend the 3-year period under subparagraph (A) up
to a 30-year period for key stations in a rapid rail or light rail
system which stations need extraordinarily expensive structural
changes to, or replacement of, existing facilities; except that by
the last day of the 20th year following the date of the enactment of
this Act at least 2/3 of such key stations must be readily
accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
(3) Plans and milestones.--The Secretary shall require the appropriate
public entity to develop and submit to the Secretary a plan for
compliance with this subsection--
(A) that reflects consultation with individuals with disabilities
affected by such plan and the results of a public hearing and public
comments on such plan, and
(B) that establishes milestones for achievement of the requirements
of this subsection.

SEC. 228. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES IN EXISTING
FACILITIES AND ONE CAR PER TRAIN RULE.
(a) Public Transportation Programs and Activities in Existing Facilities.--
(1) In general.--With respect to existing facilities used in the
provision of designated public transportation services, it shall be
considered discrimination, for purposes of section 202 of this Act and
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), for a
public entity to fail to operate a designated public transportation
program or activity conducted in such facilities so that, when viewed in
the entirety, the program or activity is readily accessible to and usable
by individuals with disabilities.
(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not require a public entity to make
structural changes to existing facilities in order to make such
facilities accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs, unless and to
the extent required by section 227(a) (relating to alterations) or
section 227(b) (relating to key stations).
(3) Utilization.--Paragraph (1) shall not require a public entity to
which paragraph (2) applies, to provide to individuals who use
wheelchairs services made available to the general public at such
facilities when such individuals could not utilize or benefit from such
services provided at such facilities.
(b) One Car Per Train Rule.--
(1) General rule.--Subject to paragraph (2), with respect to 2 or more
vehicles operated as a train by a light or rapid rail system, for
purposes of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), it shall be considered discrimination for a
public entity to fail to have at least 1 vehicle per train that is
accessible to individuals with disabilities, including individuals who
use wheelchairs, as soon as practicable but in no event later than the
last day of the 5-year period beginning on the effective date of this
section.
(2) Historic trains.--In order to comply with paragraph (1) with
respect to the remanufacture of a vehicle of historic character which is
to be used on a segment of a light or rapid rail system which is included
on the National Register of Historic Places, if making such vehicle
readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities would
significantly alter the historic character of such vehicle, the public
entity which operates such system only has to make (or to purchase or
lease a remanufactured vehicle with) those modifications which are
necessary to meet the requirements of section 222(c)(1) and which do not
significantly alter the historic character of such vehicle.

SEC. 229. REGULATIONS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue regulations, in an
accessible format, necessary for carrying out this part (other than section
223).
(b) Standards.--The regulations issued under this section and section 223
shall include standards applicable to facilities and vehicles covered by this
subtitle. The standards shall be consistent with the minimum guidelines and
requirements issued by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board in accordance with section 504 of this Act.

SEC. 230. INTERIM ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
If final regulations have not been issued pursuant to section 229, for new
construction or alterations for which a valid and appropriate State or local
building permit is obtained prior to the issuance of final regulations under
such section, and for which the construction or alteration authorized by such
permit begins within one year of the receipt of such permit and is completed
under the terms of such permit, compliance with the Uniform Federal
Accessibility Standards in effect at the time the building permit is issued
shall suffice to satisfy the requirement that facilities be readily
accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities as required under
sections 226 and 227, except that, if such final regulations have not been
issued one year after the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board has issued the supplemental minimum guidelines required
under section 504(a) of this Act, compliance with such supplemental minimum
guidelines shall be necessary to satisfy the requirement that facilities be
readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities prior to
issuance of the final regulations.

SEC. 231. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) General Rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this part shall
become effective 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Exception.--Sections 222, 223 (other than subsection (a)), 224, 225,
227(b), 228(b), and 229 shall become effective on the date of enactment of
this Act.

SEC. 241. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this part:
(1) Commuter authority.--The term "commuter authority" has the meaning
given such term in section 103(8) of the Rail Passenger Service Act (45
U.S.C. 502(8)).
(2) Commuter rail transportation.--The term "commuter rail
transportation" has the meaning given the term "commuter service" in
section 103(9) of the Rail Passenger Service Act (45 U.S.C. 502(9)).
(3) Intercity rail transportation.--The term "intercity rail
transportation" means transportation provided by the National Railroad
Passenger Corporation.
(4) Rail passenger car.--The term "rail passenger car" means, with
respect to intercity rail transportation, single-level and bi-level coach
cars, single-level and bi-level dining cars, single-level and bi-level
sleeping cars, single-level and bi-level lounge cars, and food service
cars.
(5) Responsible person.--The term "responsible person" means--
(A) in the case of a station more than 50 percent of which is owned
by a public entity, such public entity;
(B) in the case of a station more than 50 percent of which is owned
by a private party, the persons providing intercity or commuter rail
transportation to such station, as allocated on an equitable basis by
regulation by the Secretary of Transportation; and
(C) in a case where no party owns more than 50 percent of a
station, the persons providing intercity or commuter rail
transportation to such station and the owners of the station, other
than private party owners, as allocated on an equitable basis by
regulation by the Secretary of Transportation.
(6) Station.--The term "station" means the portion of a property
located appurtenant to a right-of-way on which intercity or commuter rail
transportation is operated, where such portion is used by the general
public and is related to the provision of such transportation, including
passenger platforms, designated waiting areas, ticketing areas,
restrooms, and, where a public entity providing rail transportation owns
the property, concession areas, to the extent that such public entity
exercises control over the selection, design, construction, or alteration
of the property, but such term does not include flag stops.

SEC. 242. INTERCITY AND COMMUTER RAIL ACTIONS CONSIDERED DISCRIMINATORY.
(a) Intercity Rail Transportation.--
(1) One car per train rule.--It shall be considered discrimination for
purposes of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for a person who provides intercity rail
transportation to fail to have at least one passenger car per train that
is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities,
including individuals who use wheelchairs, in accordance with regulations
issued under section 244, as soon as practicable, but in no event later
than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) New intercity cars.--
(A) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this subsection
with respect to individuals who use wheelchairs, it shall be
considered discrimination for purposes of section 202 of this Act and
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for a
person to purchase or lease any new rail passenger cars for use in
intercity rail transportation, and for which a solicitation is made
later than 30 days after the effective date of this section, unless
all such rail cars are readily accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use
wheelchairs, as prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation in
regulations issued under section 244.
(B) Special rule for single-level passenger coaches for individuals
who use wheelchairs.--Single-level passenger coaches shall be
required to--
(i) be able to be entered by an individual who uses a
wheelchair;
(ii) have space to park and secure a wheelchair;
(iii) have a seat to which a passenger in a wheelchair can
transfer, and a space to fold and store such passenger's
wheelchair; and
(iv) have a restroom usable by an individual who uses a
wheelchair,
only to the extent provided in paragraph (3).
(C) Special rule for single-level dining cars for individuals who
use wheelchairs.--Single-level dining cars shall not be required to--
(i) be able to be entered from the station platform by an
individual who uses a wheelchair; or
(ii) have a restroom usable by an individual who uses a
wheelchair if no restroom is provided in such car for any
passenger.
(D) Special rule for bi-level dining cars for individuals who use
wheelchairs.--Bi-level dining cars shall not be required to--
(i) be able to be entered by an individual who uses a
wheelchair;
(ii) have space to park and secure a wheelchair;
(iii) have a seat to which a passenger in a wheelchair can
transfer, or a space to fold and store such passenger's
wheelchair; or
(iv) have a restroom usable by an individual who uses a
wheelchair.
(3) Accessibility of single-level coaches.--
(A) General rule.--It shall be considered discrimination for
purposes of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for a person who provides
intercity rail transportation to fail to have on each train which
includes one or more single-level rail passenger coaches--
(i) a number of spaces--
(I) to park and secure wheelchairs (to accommodate
individuals who wish to remain in their wheelchairs) equal to
not less than one-half of the number of single-level rail
passenger coaches in such train; and
(II) to fold and store wheelchairs (to accommodate
individuals who wish to transfer to coach seats) equal to not
less than one-half of the number of single-level rail
passenger coaches in such train,
as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 5 years after
the date of enactment of this Act; and
(ii) a number of spaces--
(I) to park and secure wheelchairs (to accommodate
individuals who wish to remain in their wheelchairs) equal to
not less than the total number of single-level rail passenger
coaches in such train; and
(II) to fold and store wheelchairs (to accommodate
individuals who wish to transfer to coach seats) equal to not
less than the total number of single-level rail passenger
coaches in such train,
as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 10 years after
the date of enactment of this Act.
(B) Location.--Spaces required by subparagraph (A) shall be located
in single-level rail passenger coaches or food service cars.
(C) Limitation.--Of the number of spaces required on a train by
subparagraph (A), not more than two spaces to park and secure
wheelchairs nor more than two spaces to fold and store wheelchairs
shall be located in any one coach or food service car.
(D) Other accessibility features.--Single-level rail passenger
coaches and food service cars on which the spaces required by
subparagraph (A) are located shall have a restroom usable by an
individual who uses a wheelchair and shall be able to be entered from
the station platform by an individual who uses a wheelchair.
(4) Food service.--
(A) Single-level dining cars.--On any train in which a single-level
dining car is used to provide food service--
(i) if such single-level dining car was purchased after the
date of enactment of this Act, table service in such car shall be
provided to a passenger who uses a wheelchair if--
(I) the car adjacent to the end of the dining car through
which a wheelchair may enter is itself accessible to a
wheelchair;
(II) such passenger can exit to the platform from the car
such passenger occupies, move down the platform, and enter
the adjacent accessible car described in subclause (I)
without the necessity of the train being moved within the
station; and
(III) space to park and secure a wheelchair is available in
the dining car at the time such passenger wishes to eat (if
such passenger wishes to remain in a wheelchair), or space to
store and fold a wheelchair is available in the dining car at
the time such passenger wishes to eat (if such passenger
wishes to transfer to a dining car seat); and
(ii) appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including a hard
surface on which to eat, shall be provided to ensure that other
equivalent food service is available to individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs, and to
passengers traveling with such individuals.
Unless not practicable, a person providing intercity rail
transportation shall place an accessible car adjacent to the end of a
dining car described in clause (i) through which an individual who
uses a wheelchair may enter.
(B) Bi-level dining cars.--On any train in which a bi-level dining
car is used to provide food service--
(i) if such train includes a bi-level lounge car purchased
after the date of enactment of this Act, table service in such
lounge car shall be provided to individuals who use wheelchairs
and to other passengers; and
(ii) appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including a hard
surface on which to eat, shall be provided to ensure that other
equivalent food service is available to individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs, and to
passengers traveling with such individuals.
(b) Commuter Rail Transportation.--
(1) One car per train rule.--It shall be considered discrimination for
purposes of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for a person who provides commuter rail
transportation to fail to have at least one passenger car per train that
is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities,
including individuals who use wheelchairs, in accordance with regulations
issued under section 244, as soon as practicable, but in no event later
than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) New commuter rail cars.--
(A) General rule.--It shall be considered discrimination for
purposes of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for a person to purchase
or lease any new rail passenger cars for use in commuter rail
transportation, and for which a solicitation is made later than 30
days after the effective date of this section, unless all such rail
cars are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs, as
prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation in regulations issued
under section 244.
(B) Accessibility.--For purposes of section 202 of this Act and
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), a
requirement that a rail passenger car used in commuter rail
transportation be accessible to or readily accessible to and usable
by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use
wheelchairs, shall not be construed to require--
(i) a restroom usable by an individual who uses a wheelchair if
no restroom is provided in such car for any passenger;
(ii) space to fold and store a wheelchair; or
(iii) a seat to which a passenger who uses a wheelchair can
transfer.
(c) Used Rail Cars.--It shall be considered discrimination for purposes of
section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 794) for a person to purchase or lease a used rail passenger car for
use in intercity or commuter rail transportation, unless such person makes
demonstrated good faith efforts to purchase or lease a used rail car that is
readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including
individuals who use wheelchairs, as prescribed by the Secretary of
Transportation in regulations issued under section 244.
(d) Remanufactured Rail Cars.--
(1) Remanufacturing.--It shall be considered discrimination for
purposes of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for a person to remanufacture a rail
passenger car for use in intercity or commuter rail transportation so as
to extend its usable life for 10 years or more, unless the rail car, to
the maximum extent feasible, is made readily accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs,
as prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation in regulations issued
under section 244.
(2) Purchase or lease.--It shall be considered discrimination for
purposes of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for a person to purchase or lease a
remanufactured rail passenger car for use in intercity or commuter rail
transportation unless such car was remanufactured in accordance with
paragraph (1).
(e) Stations.--
(1) New stations.--It shall be considered discrimination for purposes
of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for a person to build a new station for use in
intercity or commuter rail transportation that is not readily accessible
to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who
use wheelchairs, as prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation in
regulations issued under section 244.
(2) Existing stations.--
(A) Failure to make readily accessible.--
(i) General rule.--It shall be considered discrimination for
purposes of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for a responsible
person to fail to make existing stations in the intercity rail
transportation system, and existing key stations in commuter rail
transportation systems, readily accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use
wheelchairs, as prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation in
regulations issued under section 244.
(ii) Period for compliance.--
(I) Intercity rail.--All stations in the intercity rail
transportation system shall be made readily accessible to and
usable by individuals with disabilities, including
individuals who use wheelchairs, as soon as practicable, but
in no event later than 20 years after the date of enactment
of this Act.
(II) Commuter rail.--Key stations in commuter rail
transportation systems shall be made readily accessible to
and usable by individuals with disabilities, including
individuals who use wheelchairs, as soon as practicable but
in no event later than 3 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, except that the time limit may be extended by the
Secretary of Transportation up to 20 years after the date of
enactment of this Act in a case where the raising of the
entire passenger platform is the only means available of
attaining accessibility or where other extraordinarily
expensive structural changes are necessary to attain
accessibility.
(iii) Designation of key stations.--Each commuter authority
shall designate the key stations in its commuter rail
transportation system, in consultation with individuals with
disabilities and organizations representing such individuals,
taking into consideration such factors as high ridership and
whether such station serves as a transfer or feeder station.
Before the final designation of key stations under this clause, a
commuter authority shall hold a public hearing.
(iv) Plans and milestones.--The Secretary of Transportation
shall require the appropriate person to develop a plan for
carrying out this subparagraph that reflects consultation with
individuals with disabilities affected by such plan and that
establishes milestones for achievement of the requirements of
this subparagraph.
(B) Requirement when making alterations.--
(i) General rule.--It shall be considered discrimination, for
purposes of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), with respect to
alterations of an existing station or part thereof in the
intercity or commuter rail transportation systems that affect or
could affect the usability of the station or part thereof, for
the responsible person, owner, or person in control of the
station to fail to make the alterations in such a manner that, to
the maximum extent feasible, the altered portions of the station
are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs, upon
completion of such alterations.
(ii) Alterations to a primary function area.--It shall be
considered discrimination, for purposes of section 202 of this
Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
794), with respect to alterations that affect or could affect the
usability of or access to an area of the station containing a
primary function, for the responsible person, owner, or person in
control of the station to fail to make the alterations in such a
manner that, to the maximum extent feasible, the path of travel
to the altered area, and the bathrooms, telephones, and drinking
fountains serving the altered area, are readily accessible to and
usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals
who use wheelchairs, upon completion of such alterations, where
such alterations to the path of travel or the bathrooms,
telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area are
not disproportionate to the overall alterations in terms of cost
and scope (as determined under criteria established by the
Attorney General).
(C) Required cooperation.--It shall be considered discrimination
for purposes of section 202 of this Act and section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) for an owner, or person in
control, of a station governed by subparagraph (A) or (B) to fail to
provide reasonable cooperation to a responsible person with respect
to such station in that responsible person's efforts to comply with
such subparagraph. An owner, or person in control, of a station shall
be liable to a responsible person for any failure to provide
reasonable cooperation as required by this subparagraph. Failure to
receive reasonable cooperation required by this subparagraph shall
not be a defense to a claim of discrimination under this Act.
SEC. 243. CONFORMANCE OF ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS.
Accessibility standards included in regulations issued under this part
shall be consistent with the minimum guidelines issued by the Architectural
and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board under section 504(a) of this
Act.

SEC. 244. REGULATIONS.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Transportation shall issue regulations, in an accessible format,
necessary for carrying out this part.

SEC. 245. INTERIM ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Stations.--If final regulations have not been issued pursuant to
section 244, for new construction or alterations for which a valid and
appropriate State or local building permit is obtained prior to the issuance
of final regulations under such section, and for which the construction or
alteration authorized by such permit begins within one year of the receipt of
such permit and is completed under the terms of such permit, compliance with
the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards in effect at the time the
building permit is issued shall suffice to satisfy the requirement that
stations be readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities as
required under section 242(e), except that, if such final regulations have
not been issued one year after the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board has issued the supplemental minimum guidelines required
under section 504(a) of this Act, compliance with such supplemental minimum
guidelines shall be necessary to satisfy the requirement that stations be
readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities prior to
issuance of the final regulations.
(b) Rail Passenger Cars.--If final regulations have not been issued
pursuant to section 244, a person shall be considered to have complied with
the requirements of section 242 (a) through (d) that a rail passenger car be
readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if the
design for such car complies with the laws and regulations (including the
Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design and such
supplemental minimum guidelines as are issued under section 504(a) of this
Act) governing accessibility of such cars, to the extent that such laws and
regulations are not inconsistent with this part and are in effect at the time
such design is substantially completed.

SEC. 246. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) General Rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this part shall
become effective 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Exception.--Sections 242 and 244 shall become effective on the date of
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this title:
(1) Commerce.--The term "commerce" means travel, trade, traffic,
commerce, transportation, or communication--
(A) among the several States;
(B) between any foreign country or any territory or possession and
any State; or
(C) between points in the same State but through another State or
foreign country.
(2) Commercial facilities.--The term "commercial facilities" means
facilities--
(A) that are intended for nonresidential use; and
(B) whose operations will affect commerce.
Such term shall not include railroad locomotives, railroad freight cars,
railroad cabooses, railroad cars described in section 242 or covered
under this title, railroad rights-of-way, or facilities that are covered
or expressly exempted from coverage under the Fair Housing Act of 1968
(42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.).
(3) Demand responsive system.--The term "demand responsive system"
means any system of providing transportation of individuals by a vehicle,
other than a system which is a fixed route system.
(4) Fixed route system.--The term "fixed route system" means a system
of providing transportation of individuals (other than by aircraft) on
which a vehicle is operated along a prescribed route according to a fixed
schedule.
(5) Over-the-road bus.--The term "over-the-road bus" means a bus
characterized by an elevated passenger deck located over a baggage
compartment.
(6) Private entity.--The term "private entity" means any entity other
than a public entity (as defined in section 201(1)).
(7) Public accommodation.--The following private entities are
considered public accommodations for purposes of this title, if the
operations of such entities affect commerce--
(A) an inn, hotel, motel, or other place of lodging, except for an
establishment located within a building that contains not more than
five rooms for rent or hire and that is actually occupied by the
proprietor of such establishment as the residence of such proprietor;
(B) a restaurant, bar, or other establishment serving food or
drink;
(C) a motion picture house, theater, concert hall, stadium, or
other place of exhibition or entertainment;
(D) an auditorium, convention center, lecture hall, or other place
of public gathering;
(E) a bakery, grocery store, clothing store, hardware store,
shopping center, or other sales or rental establishment;
(F) a laundromat, dry-cleaner, bank, barber shop, beauty shop,
travel service, shoe repair service, funeral parlor, gas station,
office of an accountant or lawyer, pharmacy, insurance office,
professional office of a health care provider, hospital, or other
service establishment;
(G) a terminal, depot, or other station used for specified public
transportation;
(H) a museum, library, gallery, or other place of public display or
collection;
(I) a park, zoo, amusement park, or other place of recreation;
(J) a nursery, elementary, secondary, undergraduate, or
postgraduate private school, or other place of education;
(K) a day care center, senior citizen center, homeless shelter,
food bank, adoption agency, or other social service center
establishment; and
(L) a gymnasium, health spa, bowling alley, golf course, or other
place of exercise or recreation.
(8) Rail and railroad.--The terms "rail" and "railroad" have the
meaning given the term "railroad" in section 202(e) of the Federal
Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (45 U.S.C. 431(e)).
(9) Readily achievable.--The term "readily achievable" means easily
accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or
expense. In determining whether an action is readily achievable, factors
to be considered include--
(A) the nature and cost of the action needed under this Act;
(B) the overall financial resources of the facility or facilities
involved in the action; the number of persons employed at such
facility; the effect on expenses and resources, or the impact
otherwise of such action upon the operation of the facility;
(C) the overall financial resources of the covered entity; the
overall size of the business of a covered entity with respect to the
number of its employees; the number, type, and location of its
facilities; and
(D) the type of operation or operations of the covered entity,
including the composition, structure, and functions of the workforce
of such entity; the geographic separateness, administrative or fiscal
relationship of the facility or facilities in question to the covered
entity.
(10) Specified public transportation.--The term "specified public
transportation" means transportation by bus, rail, or any other
conveyance (other than by aircraft) that provides the general public with
general or special service (including charter service) on a regular and
continuing basis.
(11) Vehicle.--The term "vehicle" does not include a rail passenger
car, railroad locomotive, railroad freight car, railroad caboose, or a
railroad car described in section 242 or covered under this title.

SEC. 302. PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION BY PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS.
(a) General Rule.--No individual shall be discriminated against on the
basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services,
facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public
accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a
place of public accommodation.
(b) Construction.--
(1) General prohibition.--
(A) Activities.--
(i) Denial of participation.--It shall be discriminatory to
subject an individual or class of individuals on the basis of a
disability or disabilities of such individual or class, directly,
or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, to a
denial of the opportunity of the individual or class to
participate in or benefit from the goods, services, facilities,
privileges, advantages, or accommodations of an entity.
(ii) Participation in unequal benefit.--It shall be
discriminatory to afford an individual or class of individuals,
on the basis of a disability or disabilities of such individual
or class, directly, or through contractual, licensing, or other
arrangements with the opportunity to participate in or benefit
from a good, service, facility, privilege, advantage, or
accommodation that is not equal to that afforded to other
individuals.
(iii) Separate benefit.--It shall be discriminatory to provide
an individual or class of individuals, on the basis of a
disability or disabilities of such individual or class, directly,
or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements with a
good, service, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation
that is different or separate from that provided to other
individuals, unless such action is necessary to provide the
individual or class of individuals with a good, service,
facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation, or other
opportunity that is as effective as that provided to others.
(iv) Individual or class of individuals.--For purposes of
clauses (i) through (iii) of this subparagraph, the term
"individual or class of individuals" refers to the clients or
customers of the covered public accommodation that enters into
the contractual, licensing or other arrangement.
(B) Integrated settings.--Goods, services, facilities, privileges,
advantages, and accommodations shall be afforded to an individual
with a disability in the most integrated setting appropriate to the
needs of the individual.
(C) Opportunity to participate.--Notwithstanding the existence of
separate or different programs or activities provided in accordance
with this section, an individual with a disability shall not be
denied the opportunity to participate in such programs or activities
that are not separate or different.
(D) Administrative methods.--An individual or entity shall not,
directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize
standards or criteria or methods of administration--
(i) that have the effect of discriminating on the basis of
disability; or
(ii) that perpetuate the discrimination of others who are
subject to common administrative control.
(E) Association.--It shall be discriminatory to exclude or
otherwise deny equal goods, services, facilities, privileges,
advantages, accommodations, or other opportunities to an individual
or entity because of the known disability of an individual with whom
the individual or entity is known to have a relationship or
association.
(2) Specific prohibitions.--
(A) Discrimination.--For purposes of subsection (a), discrimination
includes--
(i) the imposition or application of eligibility criteria that
screen out or tend to screen out an individual with a disability
or any class of individuals with disabilities from fully and
equally enjoying any goods, services, facilities, privileges,
advantages, or accommodations, unless such criteria can be shown
to be necessary for the provision of the goods, services,
facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations being
offered;
(ii) a failure to make reasonable modifications in policies,
practices, or procedures, when such modifications are necessary
to afford such goods, services, facilities, privileges,
advantages, or accommodations to individuals with disabilities,
unless the entity can demonstrate that making such modifications
would fundamentally alter the nature of such goods, services,
facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations;
(iii) a failure to take such steps as may be necessary to
ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied
services, segregated or otherwise treated differently than other
individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids and
services, unless the entity can demonstrate that taking such
steps would fundamentally alter the nature of the good, service,
facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation being offered or
would result in an undue burden;
(iv) a failure to remove architectural barriers, and
communication barriers that are structural in nature, in existing
facilities, and transportation barriers in existing vehicles and
rail passenger cars used by an establishment for transporting
individuals (not including barriers that can only be removed
through the retrofitting of vehicles or rail passenger cars by
the installation of a hydraulic or other lift), where such
removal is readily achievable; and
(v) where an entity can demonstrate that the removal of a
barrier under clause (iv) is not readily achievable, a failure to
make such goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or
accommodations available through alternative methods if such
methods are readily achievable.
(B) Fixed route system.--
(i) Accessibility.--It shall be considered discrimination for a
private entity which operates a fixed route system and which is
not subject to section 304 to purchase or lease a vehicle with a
seating capacity in excess of 16 passengers (including the
driver) for use on such system, for which a solicitation is made
after the 30th day following the effective date of this
subparagraph, that is not readily accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use
wheelchairs.
(ii) Equivalent service.--If a private entity which operates a
fixed route system and which is not subject to section 304
purchases or leases a vehicle with a seating capacity of 16
passengers or less (including the driver) for use on such system
after the effective date of this subparagraph that is not readily
accessible to or usable by individuals with disabilities, it
shall be considered discrimination for such entity to fail to
operate such system so that, when viewed in its entirety, such
system ensures a level of service to individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs,
equivalent to the level of service provided to individuals
without disabilities.
(C) Demand responsive system.--For purposes of subsection (a),
discrimination includes--
(i) a failure of a private entity which operates a demand
responsive system and which is not subject to section 304 to
operate such system so that, when viewed in its entirety, such
system ensures a level of service to individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs,
equivalent to the level of service provided to individuals
without disabilities; and
(ii) the purchase or lease by such entity for use on such
system of a vehicle with a seating capacity in excess of 16
passengers (including the driver), for which solicitations are
made after the 30th day following the effective date of this
subparagraph, that is not readily accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities (including individuals who use
wheelchairs) unless such entity can demonstrate that such system,
when viewed in its entirety, provides a level of service to
individuals with disabilities equivalent to that provided to
individuals without disabilities.
(D) Over-the-road buses.--
(i) Limitation on applicability.--Subparagraphs (B) and (C) do
not apply to over-the-road buses.
(ii) Accessibility requirements.--For purposes of subsection
(a), discrimination includes (I) the purchase or lease of an
over-the-road bus which does not comply with the regulations
issued under section 306(a)(2) by a private entity which provides
transportation of individuals and which is not primarily engaged
in the business of transporting people, and (II) any other
failure of such entity to comply with such regulations.
(3) Specific Construction.--Nothing in this title shall require an
entity to permit an individual to participate in or benefit from the
goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages and accommodations of
such entity where such individual poses a direct threat to the health or
safety of others. The term "direct threat" means a significant risk to
the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by a
modification of policies, practices, or procedures or by the provision of
auxiliary aids or services.

SEC. 303. NEW CONSTRUCTION AND ALTERATIONS IN PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS AND
COMMERCIAL FACILITIES.
(a) Application of Term.--Except as provided in subsection (b), as applied
to public accommodations and commercial facilities, discrimination for
purposes of section 302(a) includes--
(1) a failure to design and construct facilities for first occupancy
later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act that are
readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, except
where an entity can demonstrate that it is structurally impracticable to
meet the requirements of such subsection in accordance with standards set
forth or incorporated by reference in regulations issued under this
title; and
(2) with respect to a facility or part thereof that is altered by, on
behalf of, or for the use of an establishment in a manner that affects or
could affect the usability of the facility or part thereof, a failure to
make alterations in such a manner that, to the maximum extent feasible,
the altered portions of the facility are readily accessible to and usable
by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use
wheelchairs. Where the entity is undertaking an alteration that affects
or could affect usability of or access to an area of the facility
containing a primary function, the entity shall also make the alterations
in such a manner that, to the maximum extent feasible, the path of travel
to the altered area and the bathrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains
serving the altered area, are readily accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities where such alterations to the path of
travel or the bathrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the
altered area are not disproportionate to the overall alterations in terms
of cost and scope (as determined under criteria established by the
Attorney General).
(b) Elevator.--Subsection (a) shall not be construed to require the
installation of an elevator for facilities that are less than three stories
or have less than 3,000 square feet per story unless the building is a
shopping center, a shopping mall, or the professional office of a health care
provider or unless the Attorney General determines that a particular category
of such facilities requires the installation of elevators based on the usage
of such facilities.

SEC. 304. PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION IN SPECIFIED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES PROVIDED BY PRIVATE ENTITIES.
(a) General Rule.--No individual shall be discriminated against on the
basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of specified public
transportation services provided by a private entity that is primarily
engaged in the business of transporting people and whose operations affect
commerce.
(b) Construction.--For purposes of subsection (a), discrimination
includes--
(1) the imposition or application by a entity described in subsection
(a) of eligibility criteria that screen out or tend to screen out an
individual with a disability or any class of individuals with
disabilities from fully enjoying the specified public transportation
services provided by the entity, unless such criteria can be shown to be
necessary for the provision of the services being offered;
(2) the failure of such entity to--
(A) make reasonable modifications consistent with those required
under section 302(b)(2)(A)(ii);
(B) provide auxiliary aids and services consistent with the
requirements of section 302(b)(2)(A)(iii); and
(C) remove barriers consistent with the requirements of section
302(b)(2)(A) and with the requirements of section 303(a)(2);
(3) the purchase or lease by such entity of a new vehicle (other than
an automobile, a van with a seating capacity of less than 8 passengers,
including the driver, or an over-the-road bus) which is to be used to
provide specified public transportation and for which a solicitation is
made after the 30th day following the effective date of this section,
that is not readily accessible to and usable by individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs; except that the
new vehicle need not be readily accessible to and usable by such
individuals if the new vehicle is to be used solely in a demand
responsive system and if the entity can demonstrate that such system,
when viewed in its entirety, provides a level of service to such
individuals equivalent to the level of service provided to the general
public;
(4)(A) the purchase or lease by such entity of an over-the-road bus
which does not comply with the regulations issued under section
306(a)(2); and
(B) any other failure of such entity to comply with such regulations;
and
(5) the purchase or lease by such entity of a new van with a seating
capacity of less than 8 passengers, including the driver, which is to be
used to provide specified public transportation and for which a
solicitation is made after the 30th day following the effective date of
this section that is not readily accessible to or usable by individuals
with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs; except that
the new van need not be readily accessible to and usable by such
individuals if the entity can demonstrate that the system for which the
van is being purchased or leased, when viewed in its entirety, provides a
level of service to such individuals equivalent to the level of service
provided to the general public;
(6) the purchase or lease by such entity of a new rail passenger car
that is to be used to provide specified public transportation, and for
which a solicitation is made later than 30 days after the effective date
of this paragraph, that is not readily accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs;
and
(7) the remanufacture by such entity of a rail passenger car that is to
be used to provide specified public transportation so as to extend its
usable life for 10 years or more, or the purchase or lease by such entity
of such a rail car, unless the rail car, to the maximum extent feasible,
is made readily accessible to and usable by individuals with
disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.
(c) Historical or Antiquated Cars.--
(1) Exception.--To the extent that compliance with subsection (b)(2)(C)
or (b)(7) would significantly alter the historic or antiquated character
of a historical or antiquated rail passenger car, or a rail station
served exclusively by such cars, or would result in violation of any
rule, regulation, standard, or order issued by the Secretary of
Transportation under the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, such
compliance shall not be required.
(2) Definition.--As used in this subsection, the term "historical or
antiquated rail passenger car" means a rail passenger car--
(A) which is not less than 30 years old at the time of its use for
transporting individuals;
(B) the manufacturer of which is no longer in the business of
manufacturing rail passenger cars; and
(C) which--
(i) has a consequential association with events or persons
significant to the past; or
(ii) embodies, or is being restored to embody, the distinctive
characteristics of a type of rail passenger car used in the past,
or to represent a time period which has passed.
SEC. 305. STUDY.
(a) Purposes.--The Office of Technology Assessment shall undertake a study
to determine--
(1) the access needs of individuals with disabilities to over-the-road
buses and over-the-road bus service; and
(2) the most cost-effective methods for providing access to over-the-
road buses and over-the-road bus service to individuals with
disabilities, particularly individuals who use wheelchairs, through all
forms of boarding options.
(b) Contents.--The study shall include, at a minimum, an analysis of the
following:
(1) The anticipated demand by individuals with disabilities for
accessible over-the-road buses and over-the-road bus service.
(2) The degree to which such buses and service, including any service
required under sections 304(b)(4) and 306(a)(2), are readily accessible
to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
(3) The effectiveness of various methods of providing accessibility to
such buses and service to individuals with disabilities.
(4) The cost of providing accessible over-the-road buses and bus
service to individuals with disabilities, including consideration of
recent technological and cost saving developments in equipment and
devices.
(5) Possible design changes in over-the-road buses that could enhance
accessibility, including the installation of accessible restrooms which
do not result in a loss of seating capacity.
(6) The impact of accessibility requirements on the continuation of
over-the-road bus service, with particular consideration of the impact of
such requirements on such service to rural communities.
(c) Advisory Committee.--In conducting the study required by subsection
(a), the Office of Technology Assessment shall establish an advisory
committee, which shall consist of--
(1) members selected from among private operators and manufacturers of
over-the-road buses;
(2) members selected from among individuals with disabilities,
particularly individuals who use wheelchairs, who are potential riders of
such buses; and
(3) members selected for their technical expertise on issues included
in the study, including manufacturers of boarding assistance equipment
and devices.
The number of members selected under each of paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be
equal, and the total number of members selected under paragraphs (1) and (2)
shall exceed the number of members selected under paragraph (3).
(d) Deadline.--The study required by subsection (a), along with
recommendations by the Office of Technology Assessment, including any policy
options for legislative action, shall be submitted to the President and
Congress within 36 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. If the
President determines that compliance with the regulations issued pursuant to
section 306(a)(2)(B) on or before the applicable deadlines specified in
section 306(a)(2)(B) will result in a significant reduction in intercity
over-the-road bus service, the President shall extend each such deadline by 1
year.
(e) Review.--In developing the study required by subsection (a), the Office
of Technology Assessment shall provide a preliminary draft of such study to
the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board established
under section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 792). The
Board shall have an opportunity to comment on such draft study, and any such
comments by the Board made in writing within 120 days after the Board's
receipt of the draft study shall be incorporated as part of the final study
required to be submitted under subsection (d).

SEC. 306. REGULATIONS.
(a) Transportation Provisions.--
(1) General rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue
regulations in an accessible format to carry out sections 302(b)(2) (B)
and (C) and to carry out section 304 (other than subsection (b)(4)).
(2) Special rules for providing access to over-the-road buses.--
(A) Interim requirements.--
(i) Issuance.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall
issue regulations in an accessible format to carry out sections
304(b)(4) and 302(b)(2)(D)(ii) that require each private entity
which uses an over-the-road bus to provide transportation of
individuals to provide accessibility to such bus; except that
such regulations shall not require any structural changes in
over-the-road buses in order to provide access to individuals who
use wheelchairs during the effective period of such regulations
and shall not require the purchase of boarding assistance devices
to provide access to such individuals.
(ii) Effective period.--The regulations issued pursuant to this
subparagraph shall be effective until the effective date of the
regulations issued under subparagraph (B).
(B) Final requirement.--
(i) Review of study and interim requirements.--The Secretary
shall review the study submitted under section 305 and the
regulations issued pursuant to subparagraph (A).
(ii) Issuance.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
submission of the study under section 305, the Secretary shall
issue in an accessible format new regulations to carry out
sections 304(b)(4) and 302(b)(2)(D)(ii) that require, taking into
account the purposes of the study under section 305 and any
recommendations resulting from such study, each private entity
which uses an over-the-road bus to provide transportation to
individuals to provide accessibility to such bus to individuals
with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.
(iii) Effective period.--Subject to section 305(d), the
regulations issued pursuant to this subparagraph shall take
effect--
(I) with respect to small providers of transportation (as
defined by the Secretary), 7 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act; and
(II) with respect to other providers of transportation, 6
years after such date of enactment.
(C) Limitation on requiring installation of accessible restrooms.--
The regulations issued pursuant to this paragraph shall not require
the installation of accessible restrooms in over-the-road buses if
such installation would result in a loss of seating capacity.
(3) Standards.--The regulations issued pursuant to this subsection
shall include standards applicable to facilities and vehicles covered by
sections 302(b)(2) and 304.
(b) Other Provisions.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall issue regulations in an
accessible format to carry out the provisions of this title not referred to
in subsection (a) that include standards applicable to facilities and
vehicles covered under section 302.
(c) Consistency With ATBCB Guidelines.--Standards included in regulations
issued under subsections (a) and (b) shall be consistent with the minimum
guidelines and requirements issued by the Architectural and Transportation
Barriers Compliance Board in accordance with section 504 of this Act.
(d) Interim Accessibility Standards.--
(1) Facilities.--If final regulations have not been issued pursuant to
this section, for new construction or alterations for which a valid and
appropriate State or local building permit is obtained prior to the
issuance of final regulations under this section, and for which the
construction or alteration authorized by such permit begins within one
year of the receipt of such permit and is completed under the terms of
such permit, compliance with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards
in effect at the time the building permit is issued shall suffice to
satisfy the requirement that facilities be readily accessible to and
usable by persons with disabilities as required under section 303, except
that, if such final regulations have not been issued one year after the
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board has issued the
supplemental minimum guidelines required under section 504(a) of this
Act, compliance with such supplemental minimum guidelines shall be
necessary to satisfy the requirement that facilities be readily
accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities prior to issuance
of the final regulations.
(2) Vehicles and rail passenger cars.--If final regulations have not
been issued pursuant to this section, a private entity shall be
considered to have complied with the requirements of this title, if any,
that a vehicle or rail passenger car be readily accessible to and usable
by individuals with disabilities, if the design for such vehicle or car
complies with the laws and regulations (including the Minimum Guidelines
and Requirements for Accessible Design and such supplemental minimum
guidelines as are issued under section 504(a) of this Act) governing
accessibility of such vehicles or cars, to the extent that such laws and
regulations are not inconsistent with this title and are in effect at the
time such design is substantially completed.

SEC. 307. EXEMPTIONS FOR PRIVATE CLUBS AND RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
The provisions of this title shall not apply to private clubs or
establishments exempted from coverage under title II of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000-a(e)) or to religious organizations or entities
controlled by religious organizations, including places of worship.

SEC. 308. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) In General.--
(1) Availability of remedies and procedures.--The remedies and
procedures set forth in section 204(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
(42 U.S.C. 2000a-3(a)) are the remedies and procedures this title
provides to any person who is being subjected to discrimination on the
basis of disability in violation of this title or who has reasonable
grounds for believing that such person is about to be subjected to
discrimination in violation of section 303. Nothing in this section shall
require a person with a disability to engage in a futile gesture if such
person has actual notice that a person or organization covered by this
title does not intend to comply with its provisions.
(2) Injunctive relief.--In the case of violations of sections
302(b)(2)(A)(iv) and section 303(a), injunctive relief shall include an
order to alter facilities to make such facilities readily accessible to
and usable by individuals with disabilities to the extent required by
this title. Where appropriate, injunctive relief shall also include
requiring the provision of an auxiliary aid or service, modification of a
policy, or provision of alternative methods, to the extent required by
this title.
(b) Enforcement by the Attorney General.--
(1) Denial of rights.--
(A) Duty to investigate.--
(i) In general.--The Attorney General shall investigate alleged
violations of this title, and shall undertake periodic reviews of
compliance of covered entities under this title.
(ii) Attorney general certification.--On the application of a
State or local government, the Attorney General may, in
consultation with the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board, and after prior notice and a public hearing at
which persons, including individuals with disabilities, are
provided an opportunity to testify against such certification,
certify that a State law or local building code or similar
ordinance that establishes accessibility requirements meets or
exceeds the minimum requirements of this Act for the
accessibility and usability of covered facilities under this
title. At any enforcement proceeding under this section, such
certification by the Attorney General shall be rebuttable
evidence that such State law or local ordinance does meet or
exceed the minimum requirements of this Act.
(B) Potential violation.--If the Attorney General has reasonable
cause to believe that--
(i) any person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern or
practice of discrimination under this title; or
(ii) any person or group of persons has been discriminated
against under this title and such discrimination raises an issue
of general public importance,
the Attorney General may commence a civil action in any appropriate
United States district court.
(2) Authority of court.--In a civil action under paragraph (1)(B), the
court--
(A) may grant any equitable relief that such court considers to be
appropriate, including, to the extent required by this title--
(i) granting temporary, preliminary, or permanent relief;
(ii) providing an auxiliary aid or service, modification of
policy, practice, or procedure, or alternative method; and
(iii) making facilities readily accessible to and usable by
individuals with disabilities;
(B) may award such other relief as the court considers to be
appropriate, including monetary damages to persons aggrieved when
requested by the Attorney General; and
(C) may, to vindicate the public interest, assess a civil penalty
against the entity in an amount--
(i) not exceeding $50,000 for a first violation; and
(ii) not exceeding $100,000 for any subsequent violation.
(3) Single violation.--For purposes of paragraph (2)(C), in determining
whether a first or subsequent violation has occurred, a determination in
a single action, by judgment or settlement, that the covered entity has
engaged in more than one discriminatory act shall be counted as a single
violation.
(4) Punitive damages.--For purposes of subsection (b)(2)(B), the term
"monetary damages" and "such other relief" does not include punitive
damages.
(5) Judicial consideration.--In a civil action under paragraph (1)(B),
the court, when considering what amount of civil penalty, if any, is
appropriate, shall give consideration to any good faith effort or attempt
to comply with this Act by the entity. In evaluating good faith, the
court shall consider, among other factors it deems relevant, whether the
entity could have reasonably anticipated the need for an appropriate type
of auxiliary aid needed to accommodate the unique needs of a particular
individual with a disability.

SEC. 309. EXAMINATIONS AND COURSES.
Any person that offers examinations or courses related to applications,
licensing, certification, or credentialing for secondary or postsecondary
education, professional, or trade purposes shall offer such examinations or
courses in a place and manner accessible to persons with disabilities or
offer alternative accessible arrangements for such individuals.

SEC. 310. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) General Rule.--Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), this
title shall become effective 18 months after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(b) Civil Actions.--Except for any civil action brought for a violation of
section 303, no civil action shall be brought for any act or omission
described in section 302 which occurs--
(1) during the first 6 months after the effective date, against
businesses that employ 25 or fewer employees and have gross receipts of
$1,000,000 or less; and
(2) during the first year after the effective date, against businesses
that employ 10 or fewer employees and have gross receipts of $500,000 or
less.
(c) Exception.--Sections 302(a) for purposes of section 302(b)(2) (B) and
(C) only, 304(a) for purposes of section 304(b)(3) only, 304(b)(3), 305, and
306 shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 401. TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES FOR HEARINGIMPAIRED AND SPEECH-
IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS.
(a) Telecommunications.--Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 201 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new
section:

"SEC. 225. TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED AND SPEECH-
IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS.
"(a) Definitions.--As used in this section--
"(1) Common carrier or carrier.--The term 'common carrier' or 'carrier'
includes any common carrier engaged in interstate communication by wire
or radio as defined in section 3(h) and any common carrier engaged in
intrastate communication by wire or radio, notwithstanding sections 2(b)
and 221(b).
"(2) TDD.--The term 'TDD' means a Telecommunications Device for the
Deaf, which is a machine that employs graphic communication in the
transmission of coded signals through a wire or radio communication
system.
"(3) Telecommunications relay services.--The term 'telecommunications
relay services' means telephone transmission services that provide the
ability for an individual who has a hearing impairment or speech
impairment to engage in communication by wire or radio with a hearing
individual in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of
an individual who does not have a hearing impairment or speech impairment
to communicate using voice communication services by wire or radio. Such
term includes services that enable two-way communication between an
individual who uses a TDD or other nonvoice terminal device and an
individual who does not use such a device.
"(b) Availability of Telecommunications Relay Services.--
"(1) In general.--In order to carry out the purposes established under
section 1, to make available to all individuals in the United States a
rapid, efficient nationwide communication service, and to increase the
utility of the telephone system of the Nation, the Commission shall
ensure that interstate and intrastate telecommunications relay services
are available, to the extent possible and in the most efficient manner,
to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals in the United States.
"(2) Use of General Authority and Remedies.--For the purposes of
administering and enforcing the provisions of this section and the
regulations prescribed thereunder, the Commission shall have the same
authority, power, and functions with respect to common carriers engaged
in intrastate communication as the Commission has in administering and
enforcing the provisions of this title with respect to any common carrier
engaged in interstate communication. Any violation of this section by any
common carrier engaged in intrastate communication shall be subject to
the same remedies, penalties, and procedures as are applicable to a
violation of this Act by a common carrier engaged in interstate
communication.
"(c) Provision of Services.--Each common carrier providing telephone voice
transmission services shall, not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this section, provide in compliance with the regulations
prescribed under this section, throughout the area in which it offers
service, telecommunications relay services, individually, through designees,
through a competitively selected vendor, or in concert with other carriers. A
common carrier shall be considered to be in compliance with such
regulations--
"(1) with respect to intrastate telecommunications relay services in
any State that does not have a certified program under subsection (f) and
with respect to interstate telecommunications relay services, if such
common carrier (or other entity through which the carrier is providing
such relay services) is in compliance with the Commission's regulations
under subsection (d); or
"(2) with respect to intrastate telecommunications relay services in
any State that has a certified program under subsection (f) for such
State, if such common carrier (or other entity through which the carrier
is providing such relay services) is in compliance with the program
certified under subsection (f) for such State.
"(d) Regulations.--
"(1) In general.--The Commission shall, not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this section, prescribe regulations to implement
this section, including regulations that--
"(A) establish functional requirements, guidelines, and operations
procedures for telecommunications relay services;
"(B) establish minimum standards that shall be met in carrying out
subsection (c);
"(C) require that telecommunications relay services operate every
day for 24 hours per day;
"(D) require that users of telecommunications relay services pay
rates no greater than the rates paid for functionally equivalent
voice communication services with respect to such factors as the
duration of the call, the time of day, and the distance from point of
origination to point of termination;
"(E) prohibit relay operators from failing to fulfill the
obligations of common carriers by refusing calls or limiting the
length of calls that use telecommunications relay services;
"(F) prohibit relay operators from disclosing the content of any
relayed conversation and from keeping records of the content of any
such conversation beyond the duration of the call; and
"(G) prohibit relay operators from intentionally altering a relayed
conversation.
"(2) Technology.--The Commission shall ensure that regulations
prescribed to implement this section encourage, consistent with section
7(a) of this Act, the use of existing technology and do not discourage or
impair the development of improved technology.
"(3) Jurisdictional separation of costs.--
"(A) In general.--Consistent with the provisions of section 410 of
this Act, the Commission shall prescribe regulations governing the
jurisdictional separation of costs for the services provided pursuant
to this section.
"(B) Recovering costs.--Such regulations shall generally provide
that costs caused by interstate telecommunications relay services
shall be recovered from all subscribers for every interstate service
and costs caused by intrastate telecommunications relay services
shall be recovered from the intrastate jurisdiction. In a State that
has a certified program under subsection (f), a State commission
shall permit a common carrier to recover the costs incurred in
providing intrastate telecommunications relay services by a method
consistent with the requirements of this section.
"(e) Enforcement.--
"(1) In general.--Subject to subsections (f) and (g), the Commission
shall enforce this section.
"(2) Complaint.--The Commission shall resolve, by final order, a
complaint alleging a violation of this section within 180 days after the
date such complaint is filed.
"(f) Certification.--
"(1) State documentation.--Any State desiring to establish a State
program under this section shall submit documentation to the Commission
that describes the program of such State for implementing intrastate
telecommunications relay services and the procedures and remedies
available for enforcing any requirements imposed by the State program.
"(2) Requirements for certification.--After review of such
documentation, the Commission shall certify the State program if the
Commission determines that--
"(A) the program makes available to hearing-impaired and speech-
impaired individuals, either directly, through designees, through a
competitively selected vendor, or through regulation of intrastate
common carriers, intrastate telecommunications relay services in such
State in a manner that meets or exceeds the requirements of
regulations prescribed by the Commission under subsection (d); and
"(B) the program makes available adequate procedures and remedies
for enforcing the requirements of the State program.
"(3) Method of funding.--Except as provided in subsection (d), the
Commission shall not refuse to certify a State program based solely on
the method such State will implement for funding intrastate
telecommunication relay services.
"(4) Suspension or revocation of certification.--The Commission may
suspend or revoke such certification if, after notice and opportunity for
hearing, the Commission determines that such certification is no longer
warranted. In a State whose program has been suspended or revoked, the
Commission shall take such steps as may be necessary, consistent with
this section, to ensure continuity of telecommunications relay services.
"(g) Complaint.--
"(1) Referral of complaint.--If a complaint to the Commission alleges a
violation of this section with respect to intrastate telecommunications
relay services within a State and certification of the program of such
State under subsection (f) is in effect, the Commission shall refer such
complaint to such State.
"(2) Jurisdiction of commission.--After referring a complaint to a
State under paragraph (1), the Commission shall exercise jurisdiction
over such complaint only if--
"(A) final action under such State program has not been taken on
such complaint by such State--
"(i) within 180 days after the complaint is filed with such
State; or
"(ii) within a shorter period as prescribed by the regulations
of such State; or
"(B) the Commission determines that such State program is no longer
qualified for certification under subsection (f).".
(b) Conforming Amendments.--The Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151
et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 2(b) (47 U.S.C. 152(b)), by striking "section 224" and
inserting "sections 224 and 225"; and
(2) in section 221(b) (47 U.S.C. 221(b)), by striking "section 301" and
inserting "sections 225 and 301".
SEC. 402. CLOSED-CAPTIONING OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Section 711 of the Communications Act of 1934 is amended to read as
follows:

"SEC. 711. CLOSED-CAPTIONING OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS.
"Any television public service announcement that is produced or funded in
whole or in part by any agency or instrumentality of Federal Government shall
include closed captioning of the verbal content of such announcement. A
television broadcast station licensee--
"(1) shall not be required to supply closed captioning for any such
announcement that fails to include it; and
"(2) shall not be liable for broadcasting any such announcement without
transmitting a closed caption unless the licensee intentionally fails to
transmit the closed caption that was included with the announcement.".

SEC. 501. CONSTRUCTION.
(a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this Act, nothing in this
Act shall be construed to apply a lesser standard than the standards applied
under title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 790 et seq.) or
the regulations issued by Federal agencies pursuant to such title.
(b) Relationship to Other Laws.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to
invalidate or limit the remedies, rights, and procedures of any Federal law
or law of any State or political subdivision of any State or jurisdiction
that provides greater or equal protection for the rights of individuals with
disabilities than are afforded by this Act. Nothing in this Act shall be
construed to preclude the prohibition of, or the imposition of restrictions
on, smoking in places of employment covered by title I, in transportation
covered by title II or III, or in places of public accommodation covered by
title III.
(c) Insurance.--Titles I through IV of this Act shall not be construed to
prohibit or restrict--
(1) an insurer, hospital or medical service company, health maintenance
organization, or any agent, or entity that administers benefit plans, or
similar organizations from underwriting risks, classifying risks, or
administering such risks that are based on or not inconsistent with State
law; or
(2) a person or organization covered by this Act from establishing,
sponsoring, observing or administering the terms of a bona fide benefit
plan that are based on underwriting risks, classifying risks, or
administering such risks that are based on or not inconsistent with State
law; or
(3) a person or organization covered by this Act from establishing,
sponsoring, observing or administering the terms of a bona fide benefit
plan that is not subject to State laws that regulate insurance.
Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) shall not be used as a subterfuge to evade the
purposes of title I and III.
(d) Accommodations and Services.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to
require an individual with a disability to accept an accommodation, aid,
service, opportunity, or benefit which such individual chooses not to accept.

SEC. 502. STATE IMMUNITY.
A State shall not be immune under the eleventh amendment to the
Constitution of the United States from an action in Federal or State court of
competent jurisdiction for a violation of this Act. In any action against a
State for a violation of the requirements of this Act, remedies (including
remedies both at law and in equity) are available for such a violation to the
same extent as such remedies are available for such a violation in an action
against any public or private entity other than a State.

SEC. 503. PROHIBITION AGAINST RETALIATION AND COERCION.
(a) Retaliation.--No person shall discriminate against any individual
because such individual has opposed any act or practice made unlawful by this
Act or because such individual made a charge, testified, assisted, or
participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under
this Act.
(b) Interference, Coercion, or Intimidation.--It shall be unlawful to
coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any individual in the
exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of his or her having exercised or
enjoyed, or on account of his or her having aided or encouraged any other
individual in the exercise or enjoyment of, any right granted or protected by
this Act.
(c) Remedies and Procedures.--The remedies and procedures available under
sections 107, 203, and 308 of this Act shall be available to aggrieved
persons for violations of subsections (a) and (b), with respect to title I,
title II and title III, respectively.

SEC. 504. REGULATIONS BY THE ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS
COMPLIANCE BOARD.
(a) Issuance of Guidelines.--Not later than 9 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board shall issue minimum guidelines that shall supplement the
existing Minimum Guidelines and Requirements for Accessible Design for
purposes of titles II and III of this Act.
(b) Contents of Guidelines.--The supplemental guidelines issued under
subsection (a) shall establish additional requirements, consistent with this
Act, to ensure that buildings, facilities, rail passenger cars, and vehicles
are accessible, in terms of architecture and design, transportation, and
communication, to individuals with disabilities.
(c) Qualified Historic Properties.--
(1) In general.--The supplemental guidelines issued under subsection
(a) shall include procedures and requirements for alterations that will
threaten or destroy the historic significance of qualified historic
buildings and facilities as defined in 4.1.7(1)(a) of the Uniform Federal
Accessibility Standards.
(2) Sites eligible for listing in national register.--With respect to
alterations of buildings or facilities that are eligible for listing in
the National Register of Historic Places under the National Historic
Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), the guidelines described in
paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, maintain the procedures and
requirements established in 4.1.7 (1) and (2) of the Uniform Federal
Accessibility Standards.
(3) Other sites.--With respect to alterations of buildings or
facilities designated as historic under State or local law, the
guidelines described in paragraph (1) shall establish procedures
equivalent to those established by 4.1.7(1) (b) and (c) of the Uniform
Federal Accessibility Standards, and shall require, at a minimum,
compliance with the requirements established in 4.1.7(2) of such
standards.

SEC. 505. ATTORNEY'S FEES.
In any action or administrative proceeding commenced pursuant to this Act,
the court or agency, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party, other
than the United States, a reasonable attorney's fee, including litigation
expenses, and costs, and the United States shall be liable for the foregoing
the same as a private individual.

SEC. 506. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Plan for Assistance.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Chair of the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Secretary of Transportation,
the Chair of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance
Board, and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, shall
develop a plan to assist entities covered under this Act, and other
Federal agencies, in understanding the responsibility of such entities
and agencies under this Act.
(2) Publication of plan.--The Attorney General shall publish the plan
referred to in paragraph (1) for public comment in accordance with
subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known
as the Administrative Procedure Act).
(b) Agency and Public Assistance.--The Attorney General may obtain the
assistance of other Federal agencies in carrying out subsection (a),
including the National Council on Disability, the President's Committee on
Employment of People with Disabilities, the Small Business Administration,
and the Department of Commerce.
(c) Implementation.--
(1) Rendering assistance.--Each Federal agency that has responsibility
under paragraph (2) for implementing this Act may render technical
assistance to individuals and institutions that have rights or duties
under the respective title or titles for which such agency has
responsibility.
(2) Implementation of titles.--
(A) Title i.--The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the
Attorney General shall implement the plan for assistance developed
under subsection (a), for title I.
(B) Title ii.--
(i) Subtitle a.--The Attorney General shall implement such plan
for assistance for subtitle A of title II.
(ii) Subtitle b.--The Secretary of Transportation shall
implement such plan for assistance for subtitle B of title II.
(C) Title iii.--The Attorney General, in coordination with the
Secretary of Transportation and the Chair of the Architectural
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, shall implement such plan
for assistance for title III, except for section 304, the plan for
assistance for which shall be implemented by the Secretary of
Transportation.
(D) Title iv.--The Chairman of the Federal Communications
Commission, in coordination with the Attorney General, shall
implement such plan for assistance for title IV.
(3) Technical assistance manuals.--Each Federal agency that has
responsibility under paragraph (2) for implementing this Act shall, as
part of its implementation responsibilities, ensure the availability and
provision of appropriate technical assistance manuals to individuals or
entities with rights or duties under this Act no later than six months
after applicable final regulations are published under titles I, II, III,
and IV.
(d) Grants and Contracts.--
(1) In general.--Each Federal agency that has responsibility under
subsection (c)(2) for implementing this Act may make grants or award
contracts to effectuate the purposes of this section, subject to the
availability of appropriations. Such grants and contracts may be awarded
to individuals, institutions not organized for profit and no part of the
net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or
individual (including educational institutions), and associations
representing individuals who have rights or duties under this Act.
Contracts may be awarded to entities organized for profit, but such
entities may not be the recipients or grants described in this paragraph.
(2) Dissemination of information.--Such grants and contracts, among
other uses, may be designed to ensure wide dissemination of information
about the rights and duties established by this Act and to provide
information and technical assistance about techniques for effective
compliance with this Act.
(e) Failure to Receive Assistance.--An employer, public accommodation, or
other entity covered under this Act shall not be excused from compliance with
the requirements of this Act because of any failure to receive technical
assistance under this section, including any failure in the development or
dissemination of any technical assistance manual authorized by this section.

SEC. 507. FEDERAL WILDERNESS AREAS.
(a) Study.--The National Council on Disability shall conduct a study and
report on the effect that wilderness designations and wilderness land
management practices have on the ability of individuals with disabilities to
use and enjoy the National Wilderness Preservation System as established
under the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.).
(b) Submission of Report.--Not later than 1 year after the enactment of
this Act, the National Council on Disability shall submit the report required
under subsection (a) to Congress.
(c) Specific Wilderness Access.--
(1) In general.--Congress reaffirms that nothing in the Wilderness Act
is to be construed as prohibiting the use of a wheelchair in a wilderness
area by an individual whose disability requires use of a wheelchair, and
consistent with the Wilderness Act no agency is required to provide any
form of special treatment or accommodation, or to construct any
facilities or modify any conditions of lands within a wilderness area in
order to facilitate such use.
(2) Definition.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "wheelchair"
means a device designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for
locomotion, that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area.

SEC. 508. TRANSVESTITES.
For the purposes of this Act, the term "disabled" or "disability" shall not
apply to an individual solely because that individual is a transvestite.

SEC. 509. COVERAGE OF CONGRESS AND THE AGENCIES OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH.
(a) Coverage of the Senate.--
(1) Commitment to Rule XLII.--The Senate reaffirms its commitment to
Rule XLII of the Standing Rules of the Senate which provides as follows:
"No member, officer, or employee of the Senate shall, with respect to
employment by the Senate or any office thereof--
"(a) fail or refuse to hire an individual;
"(b) discharge an individual; or
"(c) otherwise discriminate against an individual with respect to
promotion, compensation, or terms, conditions, or privileges of
employment
on the basis of such individual's race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, or state of physical handicap.".
(2) Application to Senate employment.--The rights and protections
provided pursuant to this Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1990 (S. 2104,
101st Congress), the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act of 1967, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 shall apply
with respect to employment by the United States Senate.
(3) Investigation and adjudication of claims.--All claims raised by any
individual with respect to Senate employment, pursuant to the Acts
referred to in paragraph (2), shall be investigated and adjudicated by
the Select Committee on Ethics, pursuant to S. Res. 338, 88th Congress,
as amended, or such other entity as the Senate may designate.
(4) Rights of employees.--The Committee on Rules and Administration
shall ensure that Senate employees are informed of their rights under the
Acts referred to in paragraph (2).
(5) Applicable Remedies.--When assigning remedies to individuals found
to have a valid claim under the Acts referred to in paragraph (2), the
Select Committee on Ethics, or such other entity as the Senate may
designate, should to the extent practicable apply the same remedies
applicable to all other employees covered by the Acts referred to in
paragraph (2). Such remedies shall apply exclusively.
(6) Matters Other Than Employment.--
(A) In General.--The rights and protections under this Act shall,
subject to subparagraph (B), apply with respect to the conduct of the
Senate regarding matters other than employment.
(B) Remedies.--The Architect of the Capitol shall establish
remedies and procedures to be utilized with respect to the rights and
protections provided pursuant to subparagraph (A). Such remedies and
procedures shall apply exclusively, after approval in accordance with
subparagraph (C).
(C) Proposed remedies and procedures.--For purposes of subparagraph
(B), the Architect of the Capitol shall submit proposed remedies and
procedures to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. The
remedies and procedures shall be effective upon the approval of the
Committee on Rules and Administration.
(7) Exercise of rulemaking power.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, enforcement and adjudication of the rights and protections
referred to in paragraph (2) and (6)(A) shall be within the exclusive
jurisdiction of the United States Senate. The provisions of paragraph
(1), (3), (4), (5), (6)(B), and (6)(C) are enacted by the Senate as an
exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate, with full recognition of
the right of the Senate to change its rules, in the same manner, and to
the same extent, as in the case of any other rule of the Senate.
(b) Coverage of the House of Representatives.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or of
law, the purposes of this Act shall, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3),
apply in their entirety to the House of Representatives.
(2) Employment in the house.--
(A) Application.--The rights and protections under this Act shall,
subject to subparagraph (B), apply with respect to any employee in an
employment position in the House of Representatives and any employing
authority of the House of Representatives.
(B) Administration.--
(i) In general.--In the administration of this paragraph, the
remedies and procedures made applicable pursuant to the
resolution described in clause (ii) shall apply exclusively.
(ii) Resolution.--The resolution referred to in clause (i) is
House Resolution 15 of the One Hundred First Congress, as agreed
to January 3, 1989, or any other provision that continues in
effect the provisions of, or is a successor to, the Fair
Employment Practices Resolution (House Resolution 558 of the One
Hundredth Congress, as agreed to October 4, 1988).
(C) Exercise of rulemaking power.--The provisions of subparagraph
(B) are enacted by the House of Representatives as an exercise of the
rulemaking power of the House of Representatives, with full
recognition of the right of the House to change its rules, in the
same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule
of the House.
(3) Matters other than employment.--
(A) In general.--The rights and protections under this Act shall,
subject to subparagraph (B), apply with respect to the conduct of the
House of Representatives regarding matters other than employment.
(B) Remedies.--The Architect of the Capitol shall establish
remedies and procedures to be utilized with respect to the rights and
protections provided pursuant to subparagraph (A). Such remedies and
procedures shall apply exclusively, after approval in accordance with
subparagraph (C).
(C) Approval.--For purposes of subparagraph (B), the Architect of
the Capitol shall submit proposed remedies and procedures to the
Speaker of the House of Representatives. The remedies and procedures
shall be effective upon the approval of the Speaker, after
consultation with the House Office Building Commission.
(c) Instrumentalities of Congress.--
(1) In general.--The rights and protections under this Act shall,
subject to paragraph (2), apply with respect to the conduct of each
instrumentality of the Congress.
(2) Establishment of remedies and procedures by instrumentalities.--The
chief official of each instrumentality of the Congress shall establish
remedies and procedures to be utilized with respect to the rights and
protections provided pursuant to paragraph (1). Such remedies and
procedures shall apply exclusively.
(3) Report to congress.--The chief official of each instrumentality of
the Congress shall, after establishing remedies and procedures for
purposes of paragraph (2), submit to the Congress a report describing the
remedies and procedures.
(4) Definition of instrumentalities.--For purposes of this section,
instrumentalities of the Congress include the following: the Architect of
the Capitol, the Congressional Budget Office, the General Accounting
Office, the Government Printing Office, the Library of Congress, the
Office of Technology Assessment, and the United States Botanic Garden.
(5) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall alter the enforcement
procedures for individuals with disabilities provided in the General
Accounting Office Personnel Act of 1980 and regulations promulgated
pursuant to that Act.

SEC. 510. ILLEGAL USE OF DRUGS.
(a) In General.--For purposes of this Act, the term "individual with a
disability" does not include an individual who is currently engaging in the
illegal use of drugs, when the covered entity acts on the basis of such use.
(b) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to
exclude as an individual with a disability an individual who--
(1) has successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program
and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs, or has otherwise
been rehabilitated successfully and is no longer engaging in such use;
(2) is participating in a supervised rehabilitation program and is no
longer engaging in such use; or
(3) is erroneously regarded as engaging in such use, but is not
engaging in such use;
except that it shall not be a violation of this Act for a covered entity to
adopt or administer reasonable policies or procedures, including but not
limited to drug testing, designed to ensure that an individual described in
paragraph (1) or (2) is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs;
however, nothing in this section shall be construed to encourage, prohibit,
restrict, or authorize the conducting of testing for the illegal use of
drugs.
(c) Health and Other Services.--Notwithstanding subsection (a) and section
511(b)(3), an individual shall not be denied health services, or services
provided in connection with drug rehabilitation, on the basis of the current
illegal use of drugs if the individual is otherwise entitled to such
services.
(d) Definition of Illegal use of drugs.--
(1) In general.--The term "illegal use of drugs" means the use of
drugs, the possession or distribution of which is unlawful under the
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812). Such term does not include the
use of a drug taken under supervision by a licensed health care
professional, or other uses authorized by the Controlled Substances Act
or other provisions of Federal law.
(2) Drugs.--The term "drug" means a controlled substance, as defined in
schedules I through V of section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act.

SEC. 511. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Homosexuality and Bisexuality.--For purposes of the definition of
"disability" in section 3(2), homosexuality and bisexuality are not
impairments and as such are not disabilities under this Act.
(b) Certain Conditions.--Under this Act, the term "disability" shall not
include--
(1) transvestism, transsexualism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism,
gender identity disorders not resulting from physical impairments, or
other sexual behavior disorders;
(2) compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania; or
(3) psychoactive substance use disorders resulting from current illegal
use of drugs.

SEC. 512. AMENDMENTS TO THE REHABILITATION ACT.
(a) Definition of Handicapped Individual.--Section 7(8) of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 706(8)) is amended by redesignating
subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D), and by inserting after subparagraph (B)
the following subparagraph:
"(C)(i) For purposes of title V, the term 'individual with handicaps' does
not include an individual who is currently engaging in the illegal use of
drugs, when a covered entity acts on the basis of such use.
"(ii) Nothing in clause (i) shall be construed to exclude as an individual
with handicaps an individual who--
"(I) has successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation
program and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs, or has
otherwise been rehabilitated successfully and is no longer engaging in
such use;
"(II) is participating in a supervised rehabilitation program and is no
longer engaging in such use; or
"(III) is erroneously regarded as engaging in such use, but is not
engaging in such use;
except that it shall not be a violation of this Act for a covered entity to
adopt or administer reasonable policies or procedures, including but not
limited to drug testing, designed to ensure that an individual described in
subclause (I) or (II) is no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs.
"(iii) Notwithstanding clause (i), for purposes of programs and activities
providing health services and services provided under titles I, II and III,
an individual shall not be excluded from the benefits of such programs or
activities on the basis of his or her current illegal use of drugs if he or
she is otherwise entitled to such services.
"(iv) For purposes of programs and activities providing educational
services, local educational agencies may take disciplinary action pertaining
to the use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol against any handicapped
student who currently is engaging in the illegal use of drugs or in the use
of alcohol to the same extent that such disciplinary action is taken against
nonhandicapped students. Furthermore, the due process procedures at 34 CFR
104.36 shall not apply to such disciplinary actions.
"(v) For purposes of sections 503 and 504 as such sections relate to
employment, the term 'individual with handicaps' does not include any
individual who is an alcoholic whose current use of alcohol prevents such
individual from performing the duties of the job in question or whose
employment, by reason of such current alcohol abuse, would constitute a
direct threat to property or the safety of others.".
(b) Definition of Illegal Drugs.--Section 7 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 (29 U.S.C. 706) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
"(22)(A) The term 'drug' means a controlled substance, as defined in
schedules I through V of section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21
U.S.C. 812).
"(B) The term 'illegal use of drugs' means the use of drugs, the possession
or distribution of which is unlawful under the Controlled Substances Act.
Such term does not include the use of a drug taken under supervision by a
licensed health care professional, or other uses authorized by the Controlled
Substances Act or other provisions of Federal law.".
(c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 7(8)(B) of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 (29 U.S.C. 706(8)(B)) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking "Subject to the second sentence
of this subparagraph," and inserting "Subject to subparagraphs (C) and
(D),"; and
(2) by striking the second sentence.

SEC. 513. ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
Where appropriate and to the extent authorized by law, the use of
alternative means of dispute resolution, including settlement negotiations,
conciliation, facilitation, mediation, factfinding, minitrials, and
arbitration, is encouraged to resolve disputes arising under this Act.

SEC. 514. SEVERABILITY.
Should any provision in this Act be found to be unconstitutional by a court
of law, such provision shall be severed from the remainder of the Act, and
such action shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions
of the Act.

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