2024 -- H 7883

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LC004719

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE NICK ARJOMAND NO WEIGHT

DISCRIMINATION ACT

     Introduced By: Representative Enrique George Sanchez

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2024

     Referred To: House Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 23 of the General Laws entitled "HEALTH AND SAFETY" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 100

THE NICK ARJOMAND NO WEIGHT DISCRIMINATION ACT

     23-100-1. Short Title.

     This act shall be known as the "Nick Arjomand No Weight Discrimination Act."

     23-100-2. Findings and Purpose.

     The general assembly finds that weight discrimination is a form of unjust and unfair

treatment that can result in significant harm to individuals. The purpose of this act is to prohibit

weight discrimination and promote equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals in the State of

Rhode Island.

     23-100-3. Definitions.

     (a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless

the context clearly indicates otherwise.

     (1) "Commission" means the Rhode Island commission for human rights establish pursuant

to § 28-5-8.

     (2) "Public accommodation" refers to any establishment or entity that provides goods,

services, or facilities to the public, including, but not limited to, restaurants, hotels, stores, and

educational institutions.

     (3) "Weight discrimination" refers to any differential treatment or unfavorable action taken

against an individual based on their weight or body size, including, but not limited to, employment

decisions, public accommodations, housing, and educational opportunities.

     23-100-4. Prohibition of weight discrimination.

     (a) It shall be unlawful for any person, employer, labor organization, employment agency,

or public accommodation to discriminate against an individual based on their weight or body size.

     (b) Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to:

     (1) Refusing to hire, promote, or provide equal employment opportunities to an individual

based on their weight;

     (2) Terminating or demoting an employee based on their weight; and

     (3) Denying or limiting access to public accommodations, services, or facilities based on

an individual's weight.

     23-100-5. Enforcement and remedies.

     (a) Any individual who believes they have been subjected to weight discrimination in

violation of this act may file a complaint with the commission.

     (b) The commission shall have the authority to investigate complaints, conduct hearings,

and take appropriate enforcement actions, including, but not limited to, ordering injunctive relief,

awarding compensatory damages, and imposing civil penalties.

     (c) Any person found to have violated this chapter shall be subject to penalties as

determined by the commission, which may include fines, damages, and other remedies as deemed

appropriate.

     23-100-6. Public awareness and education.

     The state shall undertake efforts to raise public awareness about weight discrimination, its

harmful effects, and the rights of individuals to be free from such discrimination. The state shall

also promote education and training programs to prevent weight discrimination and foster a culture

of inclusivity and acceptance. These actions may be taking conjunction with the commission.

     23-100-7. Severability.

     If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held

invalid, the remainder of the chapter or the application of the provisions to other persons or

circumstances shall not be affected.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2025.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE NICK ARJOMAND NO WEIGHT

DISCRIMINATION ACT

***

     This act would create the Nick Arjomand no weight discrimination act. The purpose of this

act would be to prohibit weight discrimination and promote equity, dignity, and respect for all

individuals in the state

     This act would take effect on January 1, 2025.

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