California is a place where a cup of coffee dropped, a slip on a grocery floor or a sidewalk crack can make you a millionaire. This bill is just a small step in correcting this legalized scam.
“Let’s be clear: SB 84 does not reduce accessibility standards. It simply provides business owners with a fair opportunity to correct alleged violations before being dragged into court. That’s not just reasonable—that’s responsible policymaking.
Over the years, California has become ground zero for abusive ADA lawsuits. A small number of law firms and plaintiffs file thousands of copy-paste complaints, often without ever visiting the location in question. These drive-by lawsuits exploit the legal system and siphon millions of dollars away from community investment and job creation. SB 84 will restore balance to the law while preserving the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.”
| CALIFORNIA CITIZENS AGAINST LAWSUIT ABUSE THANKS STATE SENATE FOR PASSING SB 84 – A MAJOR STEP TOWARD COMMON-SENSE ADA REFORM |
Victor Gomez, Executive Director of California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, 6/5/25 www.CaliforniaCALA.org
| Sacramento, CA — California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) applauds the California State Senate for voting to approve Senate Bill 84, a long-overdue and balanced reform measure that will bring much-needed relief to small businesses and community nonprofits while continuing to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. SB 84, authored by Senator Roger Niello, passed the Senate with bipartisan support—demonstrating that common-sense reform is possible when lawmakers prioritize practical solutions over special interests. This bill is a crucial step toward stopping the abuse of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by predatory attorneys who exploit technical violations for personal profit, not accessibility. As the Executive Director of CALA, I want to thank the many Senators—on both sides of the aisle—who stood with California’s small business owners, community leaders, and consumers to support SB 84. Their vote sends a strong signal that the State of California is ready to put an end to exploitative lawsuits that harm—not help—our communities. However, we are deeply disappointed by the “No” votes from Senator Dave Cortese and Senator María Elena Durazo. Their opposition stands in contrast to the growing consensus that real ADA reform is not only necessary but overdue. Small businesses across the state—especially in working-class and immigrant communities—are disproportionately targeted by serial litigants who use the threat of costly lawsuits as a weapon. For many of these businesses, one lawsuit can mean closing their doors for good. Let’s be clear: SB 84 does not reduce accessibility standards. It simply provides business owners with a fair opportunity to correct alleged violations before being dragged into court. That’s not just reasonable—that’s responsible policymaking. Over the years, California has become ground zero for abusive ADA lawsuits. A small number of law firms and plaintiffs file thousands of copy-paste complaints, often without ever visiting the location in question. These drive-by lawsuits exploit the legal system and siphon millions of dollars away from community investment and job creation. SB 84 will restore balance to the law while preserving the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. With Senate approval secured, SB 84 now heads to the California State Assembly. We urge every Assemblymember to support this bill and put an end to the misuse of laws that were designed to help, not harm. We also call on Assembly leadership to give this bill the prompt attention it deserves. Californians have waited long enough. It’s time to protect our local businesses from legal shakedowns while ensuring true accessibility for all. At California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, we will continue to mobilize our coalition of small business owners, veterans, disability advocates, and legal reformers in support of SB 84. We remain hopeful that our Assembly representatives will listen to the voices of reason and fairness across the state. California can be both accessible and just. SB 84 proves that we don’t have to choose between protecting civil rights and protecting our small businesses—we can do both. Thank you to the California Senate for choosing fairness. Now, let’s finish the job. Victor Gomez is the Executive Director of California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA), a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to stopping lawsuit abuse that hurts California families, jobs, and communities. To learn more about CALA, visit us at www.CaliforniaCALA.org |
Senate bill 84 is not a bill that promotes common sense or fairness. It is just a bill that says “stop being stupid”