Press Conference on SB 84 (Niello) - ADA Lawsuit Reform - UCAN Featured Speaker Ashley Downton

UCAN’s Ashly Downton (Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce) spoke Wednesday at a press conference in support of SB 84 (Niello), a bipartisan measure to allow small businesses the right to “cure” ADA compliance violations rather than be subjected to costly shakedown lawsuits.

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Among Ashley’s comments on small business impacts from ADA lawsuit abuse: Our business owners are committed to accessibility and the goal of ensuring that all Californians, including those with disabilities, can access our diverse businesses, especially the small, family-owned businesses that are at the heart of our communities. California has some of the strictest accessibility standards in the nation, going beyond federal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Unfortunately, the current law allows for immediate lawsuits without providing businesses an opportunity to fix unintentional violations. Communication and collaboration are the best ways to achieve accessibility.

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Our business owners overwhelmingly want the opportunity to fix barriers and welcome everyone, but they need a fair process to do so. Too often, a handful of attorneys have profited from technical violations without giving owners a chance to address them. This bill shifts the focus back to what matters: access for all. When a small business is forced to close its doors under the weight of legal costs, there is no access for anyone—including people with disabilities. SB 84 gives small businesses the chance to fix accessibility issues before being dragged into costly lawsuits. This “fix it first” approach puts solutions ahead of litigation and ensures that resources go toward real improvements, not just legal fees.

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See the press conference here: https://youtu.be/QVteViboc-Y

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