Disability rights groups are gathering at the Arizona State Capitol Wednesday to voice their opposition to Senate Bill 1198. The bill would give businesses up to 90 days to fix violations stemming from the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Senate Bill 1198 is supposed to be an antidote to what happened last summer when thousands of Valley businesses were sued by a controversial disability rights group over parking violations.
Opponents say the bill would treat people with disabilities like second class citizens.
Phil Pangrazio is the President and CEO of Ability360, a disability rights groups.
"Senate Bill 1198, by Senator Kavanagh, is actually punishing the disability community by taking away what little civil rights we have to get businesses to be compliant with the law," Pangrazio said. "It’s so far overreaching in that it’s going to have consequences far beyond parking lots. This is all about parking lots."
Meaning all places of public accommodation would be affected by 1198 - schools, even voting booths, according to Pangrazio.
The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Judiciary Committee. It would require written notice to a business before a lawsuit could be filed by someone encountering barriers or discrimination.
