§12131. Definitions

As used in this subchapter:

(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 24102(4) ¹ of title 49).

(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.

( Pub. L. 101–336, title II, §201, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 337 .)

References in Text

Section 24102 of title 49, referred to in par. (1)(C), was subsequently amended, and section 24102(4) no longer defines "commuter authority". However, such term is defined elsewhere in that section.

Codification

In par. (1)(C), "section 24102(4) of title 49" substituted for "section 103(8) of the Rail Passenger Service Act" on authority of Pub. L. 103–272, §6(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1378 , the first section of which enacted subtitles II, III, and V to X of Title 49, Transportation.

Effective Date

Section 205 of Pub. L. 101–336 provided that:

"(a) General Rule.-Except as provided in subsection (b), this subtitle [subtitle A (§§201–205) of title II of Pub. L. 101–336, enacting this part] shall become effective 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [July 26, 1990].

"(b) Exception.-Section 204 [section 12134 of this title] shall become effective on the date of enactment of this Act."

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 12181, 12209 of this title; title 2 section 1331; title 3 section 421.

¹ See References in Text note below.