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7/2/2025
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Rhode Island codifies federal 504 education plans into state law
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STATE HOUSE — Legislation introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara and Sen. Alana M. DiMario makes federally mandated school 504 plans part of state law.
Named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 — a federal civil rights law that protects against discrimination — a 504 plan is a formal plan for how a school will remove barriers so a student with a disability can learn alongside peers in general education.
“It is absolutely imperative that students with certain disabilities be accommodated in their particular educational needs,” said Representative McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston), who chairs the House Education Committee. “Now that 17 states have joined in a lawsuit asking the courts to declare Section 504 unconstitutional, and with educational rights quickly eroding at the national level, it’s time for Rhode Island to guarantee the future of these plans, similar to the way the Reproductive Privacy Act codified the rights of Roe v. Wade into state law. This would guarantee that all children would have equal access to education regardless of their disability and in the least restrictive setting.”
Under the new law (2025-H 6122, 2025-S 0887), if the federal government should eliminate the 504 provision for equal access to education for students with disabilities, it would be preserved in Rhode Island statute.
“Section 504 extends to all types of programs and activities that are funded by federal agencies,” said Senator DiMario (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham). “If any federal protections were rolled back, the protections that exist across all of those sectors, education, secondary education, inclusive employment practices, inclusive housing requirements, transportation, access to health care and other essential services would all still remain intact for Rhode Islanders.”
Unlike an individualized education program (IEP) a 504 plan doesn’t include specially designed instruction. They generally include any accommodations (changes to the student’s learning environment), any assistive technology or tools the school will provide, and the name of the person responsible for making sure the 504 plan is put into action.
A student must have a disability that impacts one or more major life activities, such as reading or paying attention. Because IEPs have more requirements, a student who doesn’t qualify for an IEP might still be able to get a 504 plan.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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