The bill amends the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act by updating Section 606 and adding a new Section 606a. It allows individuals alleging violations of the act or other accessibility laws to file civil actions for injunctive relief or damages. The bill specifies that such actions can be initiated in the circuit court of the county where the violation occurred or where the defendant resides. It also clarifies the definition of "damages" to include reasonable attorney fees, and it establishes that individuals with disabilities must notify the responsible party of the need for accommodation before filing a civil action. Additionally, it introduces a requirement for individuals alleging violations of accessibility laws to serve a notice to the responsible party before filing a lawsuit.

Section 606a outlines the process for notifying facility owners or responsible parties of alleged accessibility violations. It mandates that the notice must include specific details about the alleged violations and provides a timeline for the responsible party to respond. The bill allows for a 120-day period for the responsible party to make necessary improvements, with the possibility of extending this period if a reasonable explanation is provided. Furthermore, it stipulates that if the improvements are made within the specified time frame, the response will not be considered an admission of guilt, and the individual alleging the violation may not be entitled to damages or attorney fees for the same issue. The bill aims to enhance compliance with accessibility laws while providing a structured process for addressing violations.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 37.1606