The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“CONGRESSIONAL INTENT FOR H.R. 620” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E266 on March 6, 2018.
The Department is one of the oldest in the US, focused primarily on law enforcement and the federal prison system. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, detailed wasteful expenses such as $16 muffins at conferences and board meetings.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
CONGRESSIONAL INTENT FOR H.R. 620
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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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