PHOENIX (AP) - Two competing proposals designed to crack down on disability access lawsuits that opponents say are just shakedowns for quick cash settlements have been merged into a single plan.
The measure is meant to target what legislators call unscrupulous attorneys who lawmakers say are exploiting businesses by finding violations with the Arizonans with Disabilities Act and filing lawsuits. The claims are often dropped after businesses agree to pay a cash settlement.
The efforts come after Attorney General Mark Brnovich successfully challenged more than 1,000 lawsuits filled by a disability advocacy group.
Proposals from Republican Sen. John Kavanagh and Republican Rep. Maria Syms were merged into Senate Bill 1406 last week. The measure awaits action by the full House.
