[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRESSIONAL INTENT FOR H.R. 620

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LAMAR SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 6, 2018

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I supported H.R. 620, the ADA 
Education and Reform Act last month on the House floor. The bill will 
improve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and 
curb lawsuit abuse. H.R. 620 requires the Department of Justice to 
develop a program to educate state and local governments and property 
owners on strategies for providing improved access to public 
accommodations for persons with disabilities. The legislation also 
gives owners and operators of public accommodations, after receiving 
written notice of ADA violations, an opportunity to address those 
violations before being sued.
  The bill's notice and cure provisions apply to the owners and 
operators of public accommodations just like the underlying ADA 
statute. They are in the best position of control over the condition of 
their premises and compliance with the ADA. It is appropriate that 
disabled individuals who have been subject to discrimination in 
violation of the ADA should seek redress from owners and operators.
  This does not affect the ability of owners and operators to seek 
indemnity from design and construction entities. However, such intent 
is not meant to authorize direct lawsuits against design and 
construction entities with or without compliance with notice and cure 
requirements on owners and operators under H.R. 620.

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