NFIB State Director Hunter Loggins today thanked the Georgia House for advancing  House Bill 1470 and said small business owners across the state are urging the state Senate to approve the measure as soon as possible.

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The measure, introduced by Rep. Trey Kelley (District 16), would allow businesses to recover damages and legal costs when they are targeted by unsuccessful lawsuits claiming their websites violate the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“Small business owners want to comply with the law, but too often they are hit with costly lawsuits over technical website issues,” Loggins said. “This bill helps protect them from abusive litigation while allowing legitimate claims to move forward.”

Under the bill, if a website accessibility lawsuit is dismissed, lacks standing, or is decided against the claimant, the business could recover damages of at least $10,000 along with reasonable attorney fees.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Georgia’s economy,” Loggins said. “Our members are asking the Senate to pass this bill quickly so job creators can focus on running their businesses instead of defending themselves against frivolous lawsuits.”