[NFBofSC] Legislative Update Call May 29, 2025: Meeting Summary and Recording

[Steve Cook]

Thanks to everyone who participated in last night’s legislative update call. For those who were unable to attend, below is the AI summary from the meeting, or you can listen to the entire recording <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/rec/share/AhsCinCyXJ_i1b163zcf9Fa10zPxnEkCWe72GVEgNiNK_HNa8wBzrI2vX8zCrhfr.xHAnif94POnBBr9N> . Note that you’ll need a passcode, it is: L?*W4W^#

 

Thanks, 

John

 

Meeting Summary (05/29/2025) 

                

Quick recap

The meeting covered details for National Convention and provided legislative updates on various advocacy initiatives, including progress on bills related to web accessibility, access technology affordability, and subminimum wages. Participants discussed state-level resolutions concerning the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit and received guidance on drafting national resolutions. The conversation ended with updates on autonomous vehicle testing legislation and an invitation for feedback to improve future calls.

 

Next steps

•             All affiliates to continue advocacy efforts for co-sponsors on introduced bills, especially the Access Technology Affordability Act.

•             Affiliates who have not yet passed resolutions regarding the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit to do so and submit copies to Kyle Walls.

•             Florida affiliate to proceed with plans for a legislative rally over the next few months.

•             Kyle to assist any affiliate that needs it with resolution writing process and templates.

•             All affiliates to provide feedback to President Riccobono or advocacy team on improving content and frequency of legislative update calls.

•             Advocacy team to continue efforts to find a Senate sponsor for the Blind Americans Return to Work Act.

•             All affiliates to prepare for National Convention in New Orleans.

 

Summary

Legislative Advocacy and Accessibility Updates

The legislative update call highlighted progress on key advocacy initiatives, with President Riccobono emphasizing the importance of collective action and curated information in a complex political environment. Ten state affiliates have passed resolutions regarding the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit, and the advocacy team is preparing for the 2026 Washington Seminar, scheduled for January 26-29, 2026. Justin discussed the Website and Software Applications Accessibility Act (HR 3417), introduced by Representatives Sessions and Hoyer, which aims to improve web and mobile accessibility. He also provided an update on the Medical Device Non-Visual Accessibility Act, which will be sponsored by Representative Jan Schakowsky, with plans for its introduction in the coming weeks. The team encouraged affiliates to build co-sponsor support for these bills and to provide feedback on the frequency and content of future legislative update calls.

 

Access Technology Affordability Act 

The Access Technology Affordability Act (S. 1918) was introduced in the Senate with Senator John Boozman as sponsor and Senator Ben Ray Lujan as lead co-sponsor, while a companion bill (HR 1529) has 24 bipartisan co-sponsors in the House led by Representative Mike Kelly. Jesse explained that the bill would provide a $2,000 refundable tax credit for access technology, with Mathematica calculating it would save the government $315 million over five years by enabling more blind people to work. John noted that while the tax bill did not include ATAA, there are still opportunities to pass it through larger vehicles in the 119th Congress, with a goal of securing more co-sponsors to increase its chances of success.

 

State Bills Regarding Subminimum Wages

The meeting discussed progress in state-level legislation against subminimum wages, with Georgia, Ohio, and New York making significant strides. The discussion concluded with Florida inquiring about legislative recess timing for potential meetings with representatives, and John explained that while recesses offer opportunities for constituent meetings, pro forma sessions during recesses still allow for bill activities like co-sponsorship.

 

State Affiliate Resolution Updates

The meeting focused on updates and discussions regarding resolutions passed by state affiliates, particularly concerning the 504 lawsuit. NFBFL President Tate inquired about the status of their resolution urging Florida's withdrawal from the lawsuit, which John confirmed was received. Izzy, representing South Dakota, asked about responses from other states, and John reported that while some states acknowledged receipt, there were no substantive responses. Dorothy from Georgia expressed a need for guidance on drafting resolutions, and John and Kyle offered support, including templates and instructions, with a deadline for national resolutions set for June 8th. The conversation ended with an open invitation for feedback on improving future calls and a reminder about the upcoming national convention in New Orleans.

                

 

 

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