Treasurer Chiang Becomes Key Supporter of Gomez Bill to Expand ADA Compliance and Protect Small Businesses from Predatory Lawsuits
Sacramento, CA – More than 40 percent of the nation’s American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance lawsuits are filed in California, often by predatory litigators looking for statutory penalties rather than remedial relief. Assembly Bill 1230, authored by Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez and sponsored by Treasurer John Chiang, addresses the problem by establishing the California Americans with Disabilities Act Small Business Capital Access Loan Program.
AB 1230 provides credit enhancement for small businesses through a loan loss reserve program that would be available to qualified lenders assisting small businesses to obtain loans to finance the costs of facility alterations and retrofits necessary to comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
“I welcome Treasurer Chiang’s partnership on this bill. He and his staff have been vital in helping refine and strengthen this legislation,” said Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez. “By helping small businesses meet ADA regulations, we will expand accessibility for disabled Californians while protecting local business owners from predatory lawsuits.”
Predatory litigation weakens the rights of the disabled community by compelling small businesses to spend more money on legal fees and costs than on improving their establishments to improve accessibility.
“AB 1230 will launch a new effort to help disabled Californians gain better access to places of work and play, as well as assist small businesses to affordably comply with the ADA and avoid the enormous cost and disruption of litigation,” said Treasurer John Chiang, Chair of the California Pollution Control Financing Authority and sponsor of AB 1230.
AB 1230 is supported by Disability Rights California, The California Small Business Association and the Orange County Business Council.
###
Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes unincorporated East Los Angeles and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Glassell Park, Highland Park, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, Echo Park, Eagle Rock, Elysian Park, Mt. Washington, Atwater Village, Montecito Heights, Chinatown and Silver Lake.
