Bill > HB1470

This bill establishes a new legal recourse for businesses and entities in Georgia that are sued for alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerning their websites, specifically when those lawsuits are unsuccessful. If a lawsuit claiming a website violates the ADA is decided against the claimant, dismissed for various reasons including lack of standing, or dismissed involuntarily, the business or entity being sued can then sue the claimant and their attorney. This new lawsuit would allow the business to recover actual damages for business disruption or lost opportunities, or a minimum of $10,000 in statutory damages, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney fees for defending the original lawsuit and pursuing this new action. Furthermore, if the claimant was notified of this new law and still refused to drop their unsuccessful ADA website lawsuit, the business can seek treble damages (three times the amount of damages). Any lawsuit under this new provision must be filed within two years of the judgment in the original unsuccessful lawsuit, and the law is intended to be interpreted narrowly, not affecting other existing laws. This new law will take effect on July 1, 2026, and apply to new legal claims arising on or after that date.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73723