(SACRAMENTO) – A bill by Assemblymember Timothy S. Grayson (D-Concord) to provide helpful resources for business owners to improve compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) passed this week in the Assembly Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support.
Grayson’s legislation, Assembly Bill 3002, requires local government agencies that issue building permits to include information about the ADA and related laws and regulations that guarantee equal access for people with disabilities. This information would be attached directly to the application for a building permit.
“Too often, small business owners, most with limited resources, are unaware of the intricacies of these accessibility laws when constructing or modifying their public facilities,” said Assemblymember Grayson. “The goal of my bill is to get this information into the hands of business owners early in their planning process before a shovel hits the ground. With better guidance from the moment they apply for permits, businesses can get it right the first time and avoid lengthy litigation and expensive modifications if their facilities are found not to be in compliance.”
The notices required by AB 3002 will also include information on where to find Certified Access Specialists who can inspect buildings and sites for compliance with applicable state and federal accessibility standards.
AB 3002 is supported by Disability Rights California and the California Association of Nursing Home Reform. The bill proceeds to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
Tim Grayson represents the 14th Assembly District that includes the communities of Benicia, Concord, Clayton, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Vallejo, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek. For more information please visit the Assemblymember’s website, www.assembly.ca.gov/a14.
