California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse backs bill to improve conditions for small business owners

California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) announced on X that it supports Senate Bill 84 (SB 84), stating the bill could improve conditions for small business owners by curbing predatory lawsuits related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

According to CALA, SB 84 offers a critical opportunity to address the surge of predatory lawsuits exploiting the ADA in California. The organization contends that small businesses are disproportionately targeted by serial litigants who file numerous lawsuits over minor technical violations, such as slightly incorrect signage or marginally non-compliant parking spaces. CALA believes SB 84 will restore fairness by allowing small businesses a chance to correct issues before facing costly litigation.

As reported by JMBM's ADA Compliance & Defense Blog, SB 84 proposes a 120-day "notice-and-cure" period for businesses with 50 or fewer employees to address alleged accessibility violations before a lawsuit can be filed. This provision aims to prevent opportunistic lawsuits by giving small businesses time to remedy issues without immediate legal consequences. The bill also seeks to close loopholes that allow plaintiffs to bypass the notice requirement by framing claims under broader discrimination laws.

According to the Inland Empire Community News, SB 84 is designed to reduce the number of frivolous, costly legal actions that threaten small businesses across California. The bill's supporters argue that it balances the need for accessibility with protections against exploitative litigation practices. By implementing a cure period, SB 84 aims to encourage compliance and reduce the financial burden on small businesses.

According to its official website, CALA is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of lawsuit abuse on small businesses and working families. The organization advocates for legal reforms that promote fairness and discourage frivolous litigation. CALA works to educate the public and policymakers about the need for a balanced civil justice system.