Arizona House Bill HB2436

Arizona 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/22

Caption

Statewide ADA coordinator; appropriation

Impact

This bill represents a significant step in improving compliance with the ADA, thereby impacting state laws related to disability access. The proposed full-time coordinator's role is to foster collaboration between small businesses and the disability community, which is likely to enhance both awareness and enforcement of accessibility standards. By doing so, the state aims to improve the lives and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can participate fully in public and private sectors.

Summary

House Bill 2436 aims to enhance the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Arizona through the establishment of a statewide ADA coordinator. This legislation mandates the governor's office to hire a full-time coordinator focused on coordinating disability activities across the state. The coordinator will be responsible for developing an annual plan that includes community-based initiatives, educational opportunities for small businesses, and methods for measuring progress towards disability accessibility goals.

Contention

While the bill appears to be well-intentioned, concerns might arise regarding the adequacy of the $100,000 appropriation from the state general fund for this initiative. Stakeholders may debate whether this funding is sufficient to effectively implement all the proposed strategies outlined for the ADA coordinator. Furthermore, some may question the effectiveness of having a single coordinator manage such a broad array of responsibilities across an entire state, potentially raising concerns about resource allocation and oversight.