Reps. Correa, Lawler introduce bill to allow people to notify businesses of inaccessibility

U.S. Reps. Lou Correa (D-CA) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) introduced legislation that would create a process for individuals with disabilities to notify businesses of barriers to accessibility.

The ADA 30 Days to Comply Act would then give these business owners 30 days after the written notice to become ADA-compliant and avoid 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,” Correa said. “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 also addresses the increase in ADA litigation against small businesses for the lack of compliance with accessibility requirements. With this bill, 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 would save businesses from drawn-out litigation, save taxpayer money, and ensure immediate action towards making all businesses more accessible.

“Nobody is helped by lengthy ADA lawsuits that get bogged down in the court system,” Lawler said. “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.”

The bill is endorsed by 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).

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