Ted Poe: “Doughnuts to Go is a small, family- owned shop in California managed by Lee Ky. Like any small business, its success…”

“Doughnuts to Go is a small, family- owned shop in California managed by Lee Ky. Like any small business, its success depends on the hard work and grit of the folks who own it. Lee's success was threatened in 2012 when Doughnuts to Go was sued by ADA trolls for alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lawsuit alleged minute violations, including--get this--a mislabeled table, door handles that were off by a few centimeters, and the trash can in the bathroom was in the wrong place. Lee was surprised by this lawsuit, especially because she is disabled herself. Lee is confined to a wheelchair and runs her store that she believes is ADA compliant. Lee was targeted by a serial plaintiff who never set foot in the store and who also sued nearly 80 other businesses in the area. Unfortunately, Lee's not alone. Mr. Speaker, there is a whole industry made up of people who prey on and strong-arm small businesses in order to make money off of ADA lawsuits. To these trolls, it is about making money, not helping the disabled get access to businesses. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. Now, after 25 years of progress and advancement, the integrity of this landmark legislation is being threatened by a handful of lawyers and plaintiffs.…”