House Lawmakers Approve Changes To Americans With Disabilities Act
February 15, 2018
By: Michelle R. Davis
Source: Disability Scoop
Amid vocal protests from disability rights activists, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the ADA Education and Reform Act Thursday on a vote of 225 to 192.
Critics say the controversial legislation, also known as H.R. 620, would severely damage accessibility protections laid out in the 27-year-old landmark Americans with Disabilities Act. The vote was split mostly along party lines with a dozen Democrats joining nearly all House Republicans voting in favor of the bill.
The legislation would require people facing accessibility barriers at public businesses — whether that means a lack of wheelchair ramps, special parking or bathroom facilities — to provide written notice of their concerns. Businesses would have up to 60 days to respond and then an additional 60 days to begin improvements.