Press Releases

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) and Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA-46) announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation to ensure ADA violations are quickly rectified to provide renewed access for disabled individuals and protect all parties involved from drawn-out litigation. Specifically, the ADA 30 Days to Comply Act will create a process for disabled individuals to notify business directly about ADA violations, allowing these entities a 30-day remediation window to address the issue or show significant progress if a longer period is needed.

"Nobody is helped by lengthy ADA lawsuits that get bogged down in the court system," said Representative 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."

"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," Representative 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."

The ADA 30 Days to Comply Act has a broad coalition of support. Organizations endorsing this bill include 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).

"This bill is a commonsense measure to protect individuals with disabilities and prevent small businesses from being tied up in extensive and costly litigation. The threat of unwarranted lawsuits hinders economic growth and prosperity for all. Thank you to Rep. Mike Lawler for leading on this important issue that strengthens ADA compliance by making it more workable for small businesses," said the International Franchise Association (IFA).

"The Americans with Disabilities Act is a critical civil rights law that hoteliers have long appreciated as the foundation to ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests at America's hotels. We remain concerned that the law is being used against small business owners by unscrupulous actors and serial plaintiffs. This legislation will help protect hoteliers against meritless lawsuits brought by serial litigants with no intention of becoming hotel guests. AHLA applauds Congressman Lawler for introducing this bill and championing hoteliers and other small business owners who are targeted for predatory litigation," said Chirag Shah, Executive Vice President of Federal and Political Affairs and Counsel for the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA).

"Small businesses are increasingly targeted by predatory, meritless lawsuits looking for a quick paycheck. This bill is an important step to allow small businesses the opportunity to respond to these lawsuits rather than pull out their checkbooks. America's small businesses operate on small margins and any money out the door can hinder their growth. We are grateful for Rep. Lawler for his support of the nation's small businesses," the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) said.

"The construction industry is committed to fostering a business climate that enhances opportunities for all companies and employees. The ADA 30 Days to Comply Act provides the mutually beneficial opportunity for well-intentioned employers to remedy inadvertent oversights before final adjudication and allowing for those oversights be addressed sooner to ensure inclusive workplaces for all," said Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America Vice President of Government Relations Jimmy Christianson.

New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

A copy of the legislation is included here.