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AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT of 1990

 
  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. 
 

 


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