Assemblymember Devon Mathis (R-Visalia) announces the introduction of AB 3158, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Reform, and a forum to educate local business on meeting ADA compliance, today.

AB 3158 will bridge the gap between our disabled community and small businesses by developing a program to educate cities, counties, and local government agencies on effective strategies for promoting access to public accommodations.

“This is a long overdue, common sense measure which protects our local economies and citizens,” said Mathis. “The closing of local businesses by predatory ADA lawsuits helps no one. It ultimately denies access for all Californians.”

AB 3158 creates a 90-day period in which a business, if found to be in violation of ADA regulations, can correct issues prior to litigation proceedings by granting a one-time 30-day exemption for establishments who make a “good faith effort” to correct the issue within the 90-day window, yet were unable to correct the violation in that period of time.

Mathis will host an ADA Compliance forum for small businesses at the Visalia Convention Center on March 22 at 5:30 p.m. Please Call Assemblymember Mathis’ District Office at 559.636.3440 to RSVP.

“Lawsuit reform is critical in helping local business be able to keep their door open,” said Gail Zurek, President/CEO of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce.

AB 3158 requires the Judicial Council of California to report to the Legislature on the impacts of these provisions.

“AB 3158 is a fair and balanced solution to the predatory lawsuit epidemic that has devastated local businesses in the Central Valley,” said Rachelle Taylor Golden, ESQ. “I am happy to be included as the key note speaker for Assemblymember Mathis’s ADA Forum. This is a great opportunity to provide information to the people of Tulare County on meeting ADA compliance.”

Throughout the state, predatory ADA lawsuits have forced many small businesses to undergo expensive court proceedings. While only 12% of the country’s disabled population resides in California, almost 40% of the recent ADA lawsuits nationwide have been filed within the state.