Small businesses across America are facing a growing threat from frivolous lawsuits, often targeting them over alleged minor website accessibility issues. These lawsuits exploit well-intentioned laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), causing undue stress and financial burden on business owners.

Missouri’s Legislative Model

Missouri has taken a proactive stance against this trend by passing legislation that offers small business owners a chance to rectify alleged accessibility issues before facing legal action. This bipartisan effort provides a model for other states and the federal government to follow.

Mary Alex Hamby, NFIB Principal of Federal Government Relations, highlighted the importance of such measures in a recent op-ed. She emphasized that small business owners should focus on their businesses rather than defending against predatory lawsuits.

Federal Legislation in the Works

Following Missouri’s lead, similar legislation has been introduced in Congress. Representative Sam Graves (R-Mo.) has proposed H.R. 7328, the Protecting Small Businesses from Predatory Website Lawsuits Act, which would establish a 180-day notice and cure period for alleged website ADA compliance issues. Additionally, Representative Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) has introduced H.R. 6453, the ADA 30 Days to Comply Act, offering a 30-day notice period for small businesses to address alleged violations.

These legislative efforts aim to protect small business owners from the financial and operational disruptions caused by frivolous lawsuits, allowing them to focus on contributing to their communities and local economies.

Original reporting: NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) — read the source article.