Committee approves bill aimed at curbing abusive ADA website lawsuits against small web businesses

A committee passed a substitute to House Bill 1470 intended to protect small web-based businesses from serial or abusive Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website suits while preserving the ability to bring legitimate claims.

Representative Kelly, presenting the substitute, said the measure responds to a “rash of lawyers” bringing civil ADA suits against small online businesses, many of which are later dismissed but impose costs and disruption. “We have seen, a rash of lawyers wanting to bring civil actions against people who operate largely web based businesses, alleging that their websites are in violation of the ADA,” the sponsor said.

Committee members sought assurance the bill would not block valid ADA claims; Representative Westmore asked whether disabilities such as visual impairment were covered by the bill’s protections. The sponsor said the language does not prevent a meritorious ADA claim and that the substitute was negotiated with the Metro Chamber of Commerce and the trial bar.

Members voted the bill out of committee on voice vote.

What’s next: The bill passed the committee and will proceed through the House agenda.

Speakers referenced in this article appear in the hearing roster.