High-Country Health Food and Cafe in Mariposa California

CASA
'Click' Here to Visit: 'Yosemite Bug Health Spa', Now Open.
'Click' Here to Visit: 'Yosemite Bug Health Spa', Now Open. "We provide a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. Come in and let us help You Relax"
'Click' for More Info: 'Chocolate Soup', Fine Home Accessories and Gifts, Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' for More Info: 'Chocolate Soup', Fine Home Accessories and Gifts, Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' Here to Visit Happy Burger Diner in Mariposa... "We have FREE Wi-Fi, we're Eco-Friendly & have the Largest Menu in the Sierra"
'Click' Here to Visit Happy Burger Diner in Mariposa... "We have FREE Wi-Fi, we're Eco-Friendly & have the Largest Menu in the Sierra"
'Click' for More Info: Inter-County Title Company Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' for More Info: Inter-County Title Company Located in Mariposa, California

kristin-olsen

April 22, 2015 - SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen, of Modesto, to help California businesses comply with disability access laws and avoid being the target of frivolous lawsuits was approved yesterday by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on a bipartisan vote.

“I am pleased that Democrats and Republicans joined with me to pass this bill as a first step in the right direction to protect business owners, employees, and people in the disabled community from shake-down, predatory ADA lawsuits,” said Olsen.  “This tax credit will help small businesses struggling to bring their buildings into compliance with the law, reduce the risk of predatory lawsuits, and provide access for disabled customers.”

Construction-related accessibility standards change on a regular basis, making it difficult for businesses to maintain compliance.  Costs associated with bringing a building up to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can be very expensive. Worse, California has become a hotbed for frivolous lawsuits associated with the ADA.

Assembly Bill 54 (Olsen) would grant up to a $250 tax credit to help offset a portion of the costs of obtaining a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) inspection.  Under current state law, businesses who are targeted by an ADA lawsuit can request a court stay and an early evaluation conference if their building had new construction approved by a CASp inspection, no subsequent modifications were made, and all violations were corrected within 60 days.

The Chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee amended the original language of the bill by removing an important disincentive for predatory lawsuits.  In addition to the tax credit, AB 54 would have given small businesses an opportunity to cure accessibility violations within 60 days, if the construction-related accessibility standards related to the specified violation have changed within three years.

“While we were disappointed that an important reform piece was removed, I am pleased that this bill will make CASp services more attainable for a wide variety of businesses,” Olsen said.  “The ultimate goal is to make buildings more accessible to the disabled community, while protecting businesses from abuse.  This bill is a helpful step in the right direction.”

As the bill moves forward, Olsen will continue to work with both the business and disabled communities to ensure that the true intent of access laws are achieved here in California.

AB 54 passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee on a 10 to 0 vote, and will be heard in Assembly Revenue & Taxation next month.
Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, is recognized as a solution-focused reformer.  She represents the 12th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. Follow her on Twitter: @KristinOlsenCA