[Adobe Acrobat required]
Wm. S. Hart Union High School District What's Good &
School Board Roundup
College of the Canyons
Breaking News Bottom Line
Newhall School District NSD Today
Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center
The Mighty Oak
Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers Inc. Health Matters
Santa Clarita Valley
Historical Society
Heritage Junction Dispatch
Organization: Assemblyman Cameron Smyth
Date: October 1, 2008
Governor Signs Runner-Smyth Bill That Improves Disability Access, Reduces Litigation
SACRAMENTO — SB 1608, joint-authored by Senator George Runner (R-Lancaster) and Assemblyman Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita) was signed by the Governor this week, bringing to a conclusion a two year bi-partisan effort to reduce businesses exposure to expensive litigation over access violations and improve accessibility for Californians with disabilities.
"SB 1608 addresses a complex issue that required a collaborative effort in order to find solutions that work for all Californians," Runner said. "It is the true definition of bi-partisan policy making and the result is a comprehensive and balanced measure that protects important civil rights and assists businesses in complying with access laws."
"For too long the state has sat on the sidelines watching while people with disabilities struggle to fully realize their civil rights and businesses strain to comply with state and federal access laws," stated Assemblyman Smyth. "SB 1608 takes a huge step forward in making California more proactive in supporting broader access compliance so that businesses can open their doors without fearing expensive lawsuits and people with disabilities can have greater confidence that their mobility will not be challenged by unnecessary barriers."
"SB 1608 is truly the type of measure that every legislator comes to Sacramento to be a part of — a complex issue with no real easy answer that is resolved in a fair manner by people of differing opinions agreeing to work together," added Runner and Smyth. "It is the true definition of bi-partisan policy making, and we are thankful for all the hard work of our fellow joint authors, the business groups and disability rights advocates, as well as the Governor."
Due to conflicting access standards in our state and federal codes, a lack of continuing education for architects and building inspectors, and inconsistent interpretations of our state’s damages provisions, complying with access standards in California is next to impossible. SB 1608’s provisions address these issues and will greatly improve accessibility compliance throughout the state.
Portions of SB 1608’s multi-faceted provisions will go into effect January 1, 2009, while the implementation of other provisions will be delayed until July1, 2009.
Assemblyman Smyth represents the 38th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, Simi Valley and Glendale. Senator Runner represents portions of the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley, Victor Valley and Ventura County.
