For a number of years, the business community has been victim to a small but widely destructive, atypical group of plaintiffs and lawyers using the disability laws and court system to seek monetary profits rather than access. The result has been unnecessary, costly litigation for significant numbers of California businesses across the state, and many of them closing their doors for good.
In 2012, California Chamber of Commerce-supported legislation to limit frivolous litigation connected with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. SB 1186 (Steinberg; D-Sacramento/Dutton; R-Rancho Cucamonga; Chapter 383, Statutes of 2012) also promotes increased compliance with disability accessibility building codes throughout the state.
California businesses should be aware of two recent updates regarding ADA compliance:
- The California Building Standards Commission has adopted the new 2013 California Building Standards Code, which will go into effect early next year.
- In conformity with SB 1186, the California Commission on Disability Access (CCDA) has published a list of “Top 10 Demand Letters & Claims.”
For more information, visit CalChamber.com
Source: Fullerton Chamber of Commerce
