This bill would change parts of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make an education program for state and local governments, property owners, website owners, and app developers about how to provide access for people with disabilities. The DOJ program would use existing funding and try to provide materials in the common languages used by U.S. business owners.
The bill creates a written notice-and-cure process before some private ADA lawsuits about existing places or websites can start. A person must give a written notice that identifies the barrier. For architectural barriers at existing public places or technological barriers to websites or apps, the owner must either give a written plan within 60 days or, if a plan is given, remove the barrier or make substantial progress within 60 days unless more time is needed for reasons beyond the owner’s control. The notice must include the address or the website or app identifier, say whether help to remove the barrier was requested, and say if the barrier was permanent or temporary. The bill keeps the rule that a person does not have to take a useless step when they already know someone will not comply.
The Judicial Conference must develop a model program to promote mediation and other dispute-resolution tools for claims about architectural barriers. The model may include staying discovery during mediation and an expedited fact-finding method. The Federal Judicial Center should provide a public comment period if practical.
The Attorney General must complete a study within one year on whether WCAG 2.0 standards, accessibility widgets, or offering a telephone alternative would provide reasonable accommodations for people covered by the ADA.
The changes would take effect 30 days after the bill becomes law.
The bill says the DOJ education program should be based on existing funding. No other funding levels, costs, or budget estimates are provided in the bill text. No publicly available information.
The bill text states its goals: to promote ADA compliance through education, clarify requirements for demand letters and notices, provide a notice-and-cure period before certain private actions, promote alternative dispute resolution, and study web accessibility measures.
No publicly available information.