Post by Logan on Apr 18, 2016 5:01:28 GMT -6
SAN JOSE -- State and federal lawmakers have launched several pieces of legislation aimed squarely at people they believe are manipulating well-intentioned discrimination laws to pad their own bank accounts.
Legislators from across the state reached out to this newspaper after an article on Scott Johnson, a disabled attorney who has sued thousands of small businesses across Northern California, often over minor violations such as signs posted in the wrong color or doors with slightly too much resistance. Two state bills are snaking their way through Sacramento, while two pieces of federal legislation are also in the works.
They all look to create a window of opportunity for business owners to make minor fixes before being sued and having to pay minimum damages of $4,000 per violation, as well as attorney fees for themselves and the plaintiff.
Last month, U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton, introduced the COMPLI Act, which would allow businesses 90 days after notification of violation to reach compliance. The bill also targets "high-frequency litigants," such as Johnson.
Read more: www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_29772100/legislation-aims-curb-serial-ada-lawsuits
Legislators from across the state reached out to this newspaper after an article on Scott Johnson, a disabled attorney who has sued thousands of small businesses across Northern California, often over minor violations such as signs posted in the wrong color or doors with slightly too much resistance. Two state bills are snaking their way through Sacramento, while two pieces of federal legislation are also in the works.
They all look to create a window of opportunity for business owners to make minor fixes before being sued and having to pay minimum damages of $4,000 per violation, as well as attorney fees for themselves and the plaintiff.
Last month, U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton, introduced the COMPLI Act, which would allow businesses 90 days after notification of violation to reach compliance. The bill also targets "high-frequency litigants," such as Johnson.
Read more: www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_29772100/legislation-aims-curb-serial-ada-lawsuits