[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A bill that addresses a menacing uptick in frivolous ADA litigation that essentially extorts small businesses is moving through the legislature with the help of the Torrance Chamber and a broad coalition of business groups throughout the state. The bill, SB 251, makes numerous changes to reduce insincere construction-related accessibility litigation and claims by providing small businesses, that have in good faith sought to become ADA compliant, with reasonable time to resolve any identified violations. The bill also provides a tax credit for such improvements. The California Legislative Analyst’s Office describes what has become known as “serial ADA litigation” by writing, “A handful of highly litigious plaintiffs have in fact targeted small businesses, especially those without the financial resources and sophistication to challenge such lawsuits on their merits.” The report goes on to cite data compiled by the California Commission on Disability Access that more than half (54%) of the construction-related accessibility complaints filed between 2012 and 2014 were filed by two law firms; and 46 percent of all complaints were filed by just 14 parties. Businesses in Torrance have been among those targeted during the recent uptick in frivolous ADA claims. A news story published by the Daily Breeze in 2014, which can be read here, reported on local accounts of such litigation.
Join TACC in its outreach to the CA legislature to support SB 251 using this link![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator height_2=”25″ height=”25″ show_border=”yes_border”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]
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posted by
Brandon Matson
Brandon is the Governmental Affairs Coordinator for the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. His primary responsibilities include facilitating the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Policy (GAP) group, planning Chamber events with legislators, and facilitating the Chamber’s Political Action Committee (PAC). Feel free to contact him at any time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
