Bill > HB1555

This bill amends the Environmental Barriers Act by modifying the reporting requirements for the Attorney General's enforcement efforts. Instead of providing annual enforcement data by July 31st starting in 2020, the Attorney General will now be required to publish this data by January 31st starting in 2026. The published data must include the total number of open compliance investigations each year, the 10 most frequent complaints under investigation, the total number of complaints received annually, and information about assistance provided through the Attorney General's disability rights technical assistance line. The bill maintains the Attorney General's existing authority to investigate potential violations of the Act, which includes the power to conduct investigations, issue subpoenas, bring injunctive actions, impose civil penalties (up to $250 per day for facility owners and up to $1,000 for those improperly issuing building permits), and take disciplinary action against architects or engineers who negligently certify non-compliant plans. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law and continues to emphasize ongoing compliance with accessibility standards for public facilities and multi-story housing.