Approved April 13, 1999.

CHAPTER 60
(House Bill 59)

AN ACT concerning

Human Relations Commission - Disability

FOR the purpose of substituting the word "disability" for "handicap", "physical or
mental handicap", and certain other terms in certain provisions of law regarding
human relations and discrimination; making certain technical changes; and
generally relating to the Human Relations Commission and discrimination
based on disability.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article 49B - Human Relations Commission

Section 5(a) and (b) 5(a), (b). and (d)(2)(i), 8(a), 14, 15(g), 16, 19(a), 20(t) 20(k)
and (t), 21(c), 22(a) and (b)(1), 23, and 37(a)

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1998 Replacement Volume)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article 49B - Human Relations Commission

5.

(a) It is unlawful for an owner or operator of a place of public accommodation
or an agent or employee of the owner or operator, because of the race, creed, sex, age,
color, national origin, marital status, or [physical or mental handicap J DISABILITY of
any person, to refuse, withhold from, or deny to such person any of the
accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of such place of public
accommodation.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed or interpreted to prohibit the
proprietor of any establishment, or the employees of the establishment, from the right
to deny service to any person for failure to conform to the usual and regular
requirements, standards and regulations for the establishment so long as the denial
is not based upon discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, age, color, creed,
national origin, marital status, or [physical or mental handicap] DISABILITY.

(d) (2) (i) When structural changes, modifications, or the provision of
special equipment is necessary to accommodate [a handicapped person] AN
INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY, the accommodation shall be "reasonable".