Policy

The ADA Education and Reform Act Passed

passedOn Feburary 25, 2018 the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 620 the ADA Education and Reform Act. This bill is now waiting to be taken up in the Senate.

As the 115th Congress comes to a close at the end of the year, H.R. 620 the ADA Education and Reform Act has been slowed in its momentum of making it through the Senate. With the help of Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and her letter with 43 signatories to Senate leadership opposing this or any similar legislation, all but ended the possibility of this bill making it to the Senate floor.

Of course, with any measure, there is still the possibility it can get attached to a larger piece of legislation or rushed to the floor of the U.S. Congress for a vote. We are keeping a close eye on this before the year’s end to ensure that it is not brought up at the last minute.

With the 116th Congress fast approaching, we will continue to work with our Congressional champions to ensure any similar legislation does not make it through either chamber of Congress, that is the U.S. House or the U.S. Senate. We want to thank all of our advocates’ support and hard work in making sure Members of Congress heard your voice and how this bill would negatively affect your lives. Stay tuned for further updates from us, as we look to hit the ground running and rolling in 2019 when the 116th Congress officially begins January 3.

Issue Details:

This bill, or any similar bill, would require individuals with disabilities to send a letter of notification to the business that it is out of compliance with the law, allow 60 days for them to acknowledge the barrier and allow businesses another 60 days to make “substantial progress” in removing the barrier.

• Legislation that has a notification provision does not strengthen the ADA, it severely weakens and undermines one of the goals of the law.
• There is no definition for “substantial progress” in this bill. Progress is NOT access.
• There will be NO INCENTIVE for a business to learn about ADA compliance or take any steps to comply prior to notification.

 

Do Not Roll Back Our Rights Issue Paper (PDF)

United Spinal Opposes HR 620 (PDF)

Myths and Truths About the ADA Education and Reform Act

Joint Letter to Majority Leader Opposing H.R. 620