Us Code § 421 - Rights and protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 421 — Rights and protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 421. Rights and protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

(a) Rights and Protections.—The rights and protections against discrimination in the provision of public services and accommodations established by sections 201, 202, and 204, and sections 302, 303, and 309, of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 shall apply, to the extent that public services, programs, or activities are provided, with respect to the White House and its appurtenant grounds and gardens, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the New Executive Office Buildings, and any other facility to the extent that offices are provided for employees of the Executive Office of the President.

(b) Remedy.—The remedy for a violation of subsection (a) shall be such remedy as would be appropriate if awarded under section 203 or 308 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as the case may be, except that, with respect to any claim of employment discrimination, the exclusive remedy shall be under section 411 of this title. A remedy under the preceding sentence shall be enforced in accordance with applicable provisions of such section 203 or 308, as the case may be.

(c) Definition.—For purposes of the application under this section of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the term "public entity" as used in such Act, means, to the extent that public services, programs, or activities are provided, the White House and its appurtenant grounds and gardens, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the New Executive Office Buildings, and any other facility to the extent that offices are provided for employees of the Executive Office of the President.

(d) Regulations To Implement Section.—

(1) In general.—The President, or the designee of the President, shall issue regulations to implement this section.

(2) Agency regulations.—The regulations issued under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the appropriate officer of an executive agency to implement the statutory provisions referred to in subsections (a) and (b)—

(A) except to the extent that the President or designee may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulation, that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section; and

(B) except that the President or designee may, at the discretion of the President or designee, issue regulations to implement a provision of section 1, 2, 3, or 6 of the Act entitled "An Act to insure that certain buildings financed with Federal funds are so designed and constructed as to be accessible to the physically handicapped", approved August 12, 1968 (commonly known as the "Architectural Barriers Act of 1968") or section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that applies to agencies of the executive branch of the Federal Government in lieu of an analogous statutory provision referred to in subsection (a) or (b), if the issuance of such regulations—

(i) would be equally effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under this section; and

(ii) would promote uniformity in the application of Federal law to agencies of the executive branch of the Federal Government.


(e) Effective Date.—Subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall take effect on the earlier of—

(1) the effective date of regulations issued under subsection (d); or

(2) October 1, 1998.

(Added Pub. L. 104–331, §2(a), Oct. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 4061; amended Pub. L. 106–92, §2, Nov. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1309.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsecs. (a) to (c), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Sections 201 to 204, 302, 303, 308, and 309 of the Act are classified to sections 12131 to 12134, 12182, 12183, 12188, and 12189, respectively, of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

Sections 1, 2, 3, and 6 of the Act of August 12, 1968, commonly known as the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(B), are classified to sections 4151 to 4153 and 4156, respectively, of Title 42.

Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(B), is classified to section 791 of Title 29, Labor.

Amendments

1999—Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 106–92 substituted "Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building" for "Old Executive Office Building".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Subsec. (d) of this section effective Oct. 26, 1996, see section 471(b) of this title.

Part C—Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

About This Section

3 U.S.C. § 421 is part of Title 3 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 3 U.S.C. § 421. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 421

What does United States Code § 421 cover?

Section 421 ("Rights and protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 421?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 421" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 421 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.