Feds Impose Stiffer ADA Penalties
For the first time in more than a decade, the fines that the federal government can impose for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act are set to rise.
The U.S. Department of Justice said it will increase the maximum civil penalty to $75,000 for violations of ADA provisions requiring restaurants, movie theaters, schools and other businesses open to the public to be accessible and accommodate people with disabilities. Previously, the maximum was $55,000.
For any subsequent offenses, the fine will jump to $150,000 from a prior cap of $110,000, federal officials said.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The new penalties will apply to violations that occur after April 27.
The increases were announced in a final rule published in late March in the Federal Register and account for changes in inflation since the penalty figures were last set in 1999.
Read more stories like this one. Sign up for Disability Scoop's free email newsletter to get the latest developmental disability news sent straight to your inbox.