March 15, 2024

CORREA, LAWLER INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES AND INCREASE ACCESSIBILITY

Legislation Would Protect Individuals With Disabilities And Local Businesses From Lengthy Litigation, Help Ensure ADA Compliance

WASHINGTON — This week, Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) and Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the ADA 30 Days to Comply Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that would create a process for individuals with disabilities to formally and directly notify businesses of barriers to accessibility, giving businessowners 30 days to become ADA-compliant and avoid drawn-out court proceedings.

"ADA requirements are crucial to protecting individuals with disabilities in our communities. Small businesses here in Orange County work hard to make sure they’re in compliance with these rules," said Correa. "Unfortunately, small business owners don’t always know what local building codes are. If they aren’t meeting these requirements, they deserve 30 days to get it right. This is how we make sure our local businesses aren’t penalized for accidental oversights, save taxpayer money, and make our neighborhoods as accessible as possible for everyone in our community."

This legislation will address an increase in ADA litigation against small businesses for alleged lack of compliance with accessibility requirements, which has only caused delayed remediation and proved costly for both parties. Individuals with disabilities will be able to provide businesses with a written notice of noncompliance, giving the business a timeline to make significant progress towards full compliance. This process will save businesses from drawn-out litigation, save taxpayer money, and ensure immediate action towards making all businesses more accessible to the local community.

"Nobody is helped by lengthy ADA lawsuits that get bogged down in the court system," said Lawler. "A remediation period enabling businesses to address ADA-compliance issues expeditiously both spares businesses from drawn-out litigation and ensures that the needs of Americans with disabilities are met swiftly. This common-sense bill is a win-win for all. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it passed."

The ADA 30 Days to Comply Act, led by Correa and Lawler, is endorsed by organizations like the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, the International Franchise Association (IFA), National Grocers Association, National Small Business Association, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), and the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA).

You can find the full text of the legislation HERE. 

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