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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>HB 271.pdf<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As Passed by the House <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>132nd General Assembly <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Regular Session Sub. H. B. No. 271 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2017-2018 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Representatives McColley, Rezabek <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cosponsors: Representatives Henne, Antani, Wiggam, Arndt, Hood, Koehler, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sweeney, Kick, Thompson, Riedel, Seitz, Lipps, Goodman, Dean, Scherer, Green, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Blessing, Schaffer, Hughes, Anielski, Antonio, Boyd, Brown, Butler, Celebrezze, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cupp, Duffey, Gavarone, Hagan, Hambley, Hoops, Johnson, Landis, LaTourette, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lepore-Hagan, Manning, McClain, Merrin, Patton, Pelanda, Perales, Reineke, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Retherford, Rogers, Romanchuk, Smith, R., Stein <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A BI L L <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To enact section 4112.16 of the Revised Code to <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>authorize an alleged aggrieved party to provide <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>a notice of an alleged accessibility law <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>violation in advance of filing a civil action <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>and to establish the circumstances under which <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>an alleged aggrieved party is entitled to <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>attorney's fees in a civil action based on the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>violation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Section 1. That section 4112.16 of the Revised Code be <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>enacted to read as follows: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sec. 4112.16 . (A) Prior to filing a civil action allegin g <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>violation of an accessibility law, the alleged aggrieved party <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>ma y notify the owner, agent, or other responsible party of th e <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>property where the alleged violation occurred by personal <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>service, in accordance with applicable state or federal laws, or <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>5<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>6<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>7<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>8<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>9<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>10 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>11 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>12 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>13 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>14 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>15<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sub. H. B. No. 271 Page 2 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As Passed by the House <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>by certified mail, of alleged accessibility law violations for <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>which an action may be filed by the alleged aggrieved party. If <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>an alleged aggrieved party does not serve notice, the alleged <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>aggrieved party is not entitled to attorney's fees upon the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>judgment of a civil action alleging violation of an <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>accessibility law unless the trial court determines that <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>attorney's fees are appropriate due to the nature of the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>violations, including their willfulness, duration, or severity. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If an alleged aggrieved party serves notice in accordance with <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>division (B) of this section, the alleged aggrieved party is <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>precluded from filing such a civil action until one of the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>following occurs: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(1) The alleged aggrieved party receives a response as <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>described in division (C)(1) of this section and the property <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>owner, agent, or other responsible party of the property fails <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>to make the improvements or bring the property into compliance <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>with accessibility laws and fails to provide a reasonable <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>explanation for the failure within sixt y days as required b y <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>division (D) of this section. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(2) The alleged aggrieved party receives a response as <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>described in division (C)(2) of this section. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(3) The alleged aggrieved party receives a response as <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>described in division (C)(3) of this section, but the alleged <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>a ggrieved party reasonably believes that the alleged violation s <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>continue to exist. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(4) The property owner, agent, or other responsible party <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>of the property fails to respond to the notice within fifteen <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>business days as required by division (C) of this section. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(B) A notice provided pursuant to division (A) of this <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>16 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>17 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>18 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>19 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>20 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>21 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>22 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>23 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>24 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>25 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>26 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>27 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>28 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>29 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>30 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>31 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>32 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>33 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>34 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>35 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>36 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>37 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>38 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>39 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>40 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>41 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>42 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>43 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>44<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sub. H. B. No. 271 Page 3 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As Passed by the House <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>section shall furnish similar information or be in substantially <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>similar form to the following: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>THIS LETTER IS TO INFORM YOU THAT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(address of property), FOR WHICH YOU ARE THE PROPERTY OWNER, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AGENT, OR OTHER RESPONSIBLE PARTY, MAY BE IN VIOLATION OF <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>FEDERAL AND/OR STATE ACCESSIBILITY LAWS AND CAUSED HARM TO (name <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>of alleged aggrieved party). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>SPECIFICALLY, THE POSSIBLE VIOLATION(S) HAS/HAVE BEEN <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>IDENTIFIED AS FOLLOWS: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(Notice must identify the specific facts that constitute <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>the alleged violation, including the approximate date on which <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>the alleged violation occurred or was observed and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>identification of the location of the alleged violation with <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>sufficient detail, so that the location can be identified by the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>property owner, agent, or other responsible party.) <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>YOU HAVE 15 BUSINESS DAYS TO RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE BY <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PERSONAL SERVICE OR CERTIFIED MAIL. YOUR RESPONSE MUST BE <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>ADDRESSED TO (address where personal service may be received or <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>certified mail may be sent). OHIO LAW ALLOWS YOU TO RESPOND IN <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>ONE OF THREE WAYS: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(1) YOU MAY EXPRESSLY STATE THAT IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MADE <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TO BRING THE PROPERTY INTO COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>ACCESSIBILITY LAWS. IF YOU RESPOND IN THIS MANNER, YOU HAVE A <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MAXIMUM OF 6 0 DAYS TO COMPLETE THESE IMPROVEMENTS. THE 60-DA Y <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PERIOD SHALL BEGIN ON THE DATE YOUR RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE IS <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RECEIVED AT THE ADDRESS GIVEN ABOVE. IF THE IMPROVEMENTS <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NECESSARY TO BRING THE PROPERTY INTO COMPLIANCE WITH THE <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>APPLICABLE ACCESSIBILITY LAWS ARE NOT COMPLETED WITHIN THE 60 - <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>DA Y PERIOD, THE ALLEGED AGGRIEVED PARTY MAY BRING A LAWSUI T <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>45 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>46 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>47 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>48 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>49 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>50 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>51 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>52 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>53 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>54 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>55 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>56 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>57 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>58 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>59 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>60 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>61 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>62 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>63 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>64 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>65 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>66 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>67 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>68 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>69 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>70 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>71 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>72 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>73<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sub. H. B. No. 271 Page 4 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As Passed by the House <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AGAINST YOU. YOU MAY EXTEND THE 60-DA Y PERIOD ONLY IF YO U <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PROVIDE A REASONABLE EXPLANATION AS TO WHY IMPROVEMENTS CANNOT <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>BE MADE WITHIN 6 0 DAYS. REASONABLE EXPLANATIONS INCLUD E <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>DEMONSTRATED NEED FOR DELAY, SUCH AS CONSTRUCTION AND PERMITTING <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RELATED ISSUES. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(2) YOU MAY CHALLENGE THE VALIDITY OF THE ALLEGED <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>VIOLATIONS. IF YOU RESPOND IN THIS MANNER, THE ALLEGED AGGRIEVED <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PARTY MAY BRING A LAWSUIT AGAINST YOU IMMEDIATELY. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(3) IF THE VIOLATIONS LISTED ABOVE ARE THE SAME AS OR <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>SIMILAR TO PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS THAT YOU BELIEVE HAVE BEEN <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>CORRECTED, YOU MAY RESPOND BY STATING THAT THE NECESSARY <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO BRING THE PROPERTY INTO <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>COMPLIANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE ACCESSIBILITY LAWS. YOU MUST ALSO <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>ATTACH EVIDENCE THAT VERIFIES THOSE IMPROVEMENTS. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS NOTICE OR YOUR RIGHTS <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>UNDER FEDERAL OR OHIO LAW, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LEGAL COUNSEL. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(C) Within fifteen business days after an alleged <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>aggrieved party serves or sends a notice pursuant to division <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(A) of this section, the property owner, agent, or other <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>responsible party of the property where the alleged violation <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>occurred shall respond to the notice by personal service or <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>certified mail to the alleged aggrieved party. That response <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>shall do one of the following: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(1) Expressly state that improvements will be made to <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>bring the property into compliance with applicable accessibility <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>laws.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(2) Challenge the validity of the alleged violation. If <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>the property owner, agent, or other responsible party responds <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>in this manner, the alleged aggrieved party may file an action, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>74 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>75 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>76 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>77 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>78 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>79 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>80 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>81 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>82 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>83 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>84 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>85 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>86 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>87 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>88 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>89 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>90 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>91 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>92 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>93 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>94 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>95 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>96 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>97 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>98 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>99 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>100 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>101 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>102<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sub. H. B. No. 271 Page 5 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As Passed by the House <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>subject to any applicable statutes of limitations, any time <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>after receipt of that response. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(3) State that the alleged violations identified by the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>alleged aggrieved party have been corrected to comply with <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>applicable accessibility laws. The property owner, agent, or <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>other responsible party shall attach evidence to the response <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>that verifies those improvements. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(D)(1)(a) If a property owner, agent, or responsible party <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>of the property where the alleged accessibility law violation <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>occurred responds in the manner described in division (C)(1) of <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>this section, the property owner, agent, or responsible party <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>shall have sixt y days to remedy the alleged violation. Th e <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>sixty-da y period shall begin on the date the alleged aggrieve d <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>party receives the response described in division (C) of this <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>section. The owner, agent, or other responsible party may extend <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>the sixty-da y period by not more than sixt y days upon providin g <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>a reasonable explanation as to why the improvement requires more <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>than sixt y days to complete. Reasonable explanations includ e <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>demonstrated need for extension, such as construction and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>permitting related issues. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(b) If the property owner, agent, or other responsible <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>party of the property where the alleged accessibility law <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>violation occurred responds in the manner described in division <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(C)(1) of this section and makes the improvements to bring the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>property into compliance with applicable accessibility laws <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>within the sixty-da y period described in division (D)(1)(a) o f <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>this section or provides a reasonable explanation as to why <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>those improvements are not completed, the response as described <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>in division (C)(1) of this section shall not be considered an <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>admission of guilt and shall be inadmissible as evidence in any <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>103 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>104 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>105 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>106 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>107 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>108 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>109 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>110 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>111 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>112 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>113 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>114 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>115 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>116 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>117 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>118 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>119 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>120 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>121 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>122 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>123 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>124 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>125 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>126 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>127 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>128 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>129 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>130 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>131 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>132<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sub. H. B. No. 271 Page 6 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As Passed by the House <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>future actions based on the same facts filed against the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>property owner, agent, or other responsible party. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(2)(a) If the property owner, agent, or other responsible <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>party of the property where the alleged accessibility law <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>violation occurred fails to make the improvements to bring the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>property into compliance with applicable accessibility laws <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>within the sixty-da y period described in division (D)(1)(a) o f <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>this section and, in the opinion of the aggrieved party, fails <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>to provide a reasonable explanation as to why those improvements <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>are not completed, the alleged aggrieved party may file a civil <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>action for accessibility law violation against that property <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>owner, agent, or other responsible party. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(b) In a civil action filed pursuant to division (D)(2)(a) <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>of this section in which a plaintiff prevails, the plaintiff <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>shall recover reasonable attorney's fees, in addition to any <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>other remedies available to the plaintiff. However, the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>plaintiff shall not be entitled to attorney's fees under this <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>division if all of the following are true : <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(i) The plaintiff filed the civil action prior to th e <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>expiration of an extension invoked by the defendan t . <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(ii) The court determines that the defendant's explanatio n <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>as to the necessity of the extension was reasonable. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(iii) The defendant makes the improvements to bring the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>property into compliance with applicable accessibility laws <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>during the period of extension. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(c) If the property owner, agent, or other responsible <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>party where the alleged accessibility law violation occurred <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>makes the improvements to bring the property into compliance <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>with the applicable accessibility laws within the sixty-da y <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>133 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>134 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>135 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>136 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>137 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>138 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>139 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>140 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>141 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>142 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>143 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>144 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>145 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>146 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>147 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>148 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>149 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>150 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>151 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>152 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>153 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>154 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>155 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>156 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>157 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>158 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>159 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>160 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>161<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sub. H. B. No. 271 Page 7 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As Passed by the House <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>period described in division (D)(1) of this section and provides <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>evidence to the alleged aggrieved party that the improvements <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>have been made, or if the property owner, agent, or other <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>responsible party demonstrates to the court's satisfaction that <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>the explanation given for the necessity of an extension was <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>reasonable, the alleged aggrieved party shall not receive any <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>damages or attorney's fees for any action arising out of the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>same or similar facts that served as a basis for the alleged <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>violation. The alleged aggrieved party may receive damages and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>attorney's fees for actions arising out of a recurrence of the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>same or similar alleged accessibility law violation if it is <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>determined that the property owner, agent, or other responsible <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>party failed to maintain accessibility following the initial <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>improvements. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(E)(1) This section shall not be construed to limit <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>actions for recovery of special damages filed by any person who <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>suffers an injury in fact because the person was denied full and <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>equal access to an accommodation as required by federal or state <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>law. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(2) This section does not apply to charges filed wit h th e <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ohio civil rights commission under Chapter 4112. of the Revised <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cod e or deferred to the commission under federal law. Thi s <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>section does not preclude the commission from investigating <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>charges of discrimination against a place of public <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>accommodatio n . <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(F) As used in this section: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(1) "Accessibility law" means division (G) of sectio n <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4112.02 of the Revised Code as that division applies to a person <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>with a disability or any federal law that ensures accessibilit y <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>to services, programs, places of public accommodation, public <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>162 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>163 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>164 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>165 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>166 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>167 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>168 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>169 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>170 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>171 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>172 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>173 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>174 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>175 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>176 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>177 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>178 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>179 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>180 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>181 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>182 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>183 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>184 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>185 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>186 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>187 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>188 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>189 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>190 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>191<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sub. H. B. No. 271 Page 8 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As Passed by the House <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>conveyance and modes of transportation, streets, highways, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>sidewalks, walkways, buildings, medical facilities, and other <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>public places for a person with a disability . "Accessibilit y <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>law" does not mean division (H) of section 4112.02 of the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Revised Code or any other provision of the Revised Code relating <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>to housing discrimination issues or actions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(2) "Business day" means a day of the week excluding <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sunday and a legal holiday as defined in section 1.14 of the <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Revised Code. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>192 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>193 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>194 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>195 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>196 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>197 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>198 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>199 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>200<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><b>From:</b> Suzanne Turner <smturner.234@gmail.com> <br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, July 17, 2018 9:35 PM<br><b>To:</b> kennethury.nfboh.cleveland@gmail.com; NFBOH-Cleveland@nfbnet.org; shawgriff781@gmail.com; edgarsfarm@aol.com; 'Ali Benmerzouga' <ali.benmerzouga@hotmail.com>; lmr.upshaw@gmail.com; Victory71351@aol.com; Campbelllegal87@gmail.com; octaviaculbert@live.com; natassha.ricks@medmutual.com; krsmith658@gmail.com; stuff12993@aol.com; bdowdy1983@gmail.com; william.h.turner@ssa.gov<br><b>Cc:</b> smturner.234@gmail.com<br><b>Subject:</b> A Special Guest AT Our Cleveland Chapter Meeting<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Cleveland,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>On Friday, July 20, 2018 at our Chapter meeting, Ohio Senator, Michael Skindell from the 23rd district, will join us. We will discuss information that the NFB of Ohio Legislature Committee addressed in a letter opposing bill HB271. I am so pleased to have the Senator join our meeting. He has been gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule to spend time to communicate with Cleveland. Let’s show him our appreciation. We want to bring forth awareness and provide our thoughts in a positive manner. So, please be on time for this important meeting. We will have refreshments and talk about this bill.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>If you have questions, let me know. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>/////<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>June 4, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Dear Chairman Bacon, Vice Chairman Dolan, Ranking Member Thomas and members of the Senate Judiciary Committee,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, the leading membership organization of blind Ohioans, opposes H.B. 271 Short Title: Give notice before action for access; allow attorney's fees as passed by the House. In fact, we unalterably oppose any legislation that will weaken the already fragile rights of people with disabilities. We believe that this bill will radically undermine the rights of people with disabilities while not effectively protecting businesses from frivolous litigation. The current evidence regarding the problems this bill seeks to address is, at best, sparse and anecdotal and does not justify such a radical change to state law.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Twenty-eight years later all business owners should be aware of their obligations under the law. Although this is certainly not always the case, experience demonstrates that those with disabilities covered under the ADA do not file frivolous litigation. Out of ignorance or inexperience people who do not understand disability or the law addressing it sometimes interpret an initial filing as frivolous. This is how the myth has grown up that disabled people are likely to file frivolous lawsuits.</span> <span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Rather than placing additional burdens on people with disabilities, why not punish those who bring frivolous law suits to the courts?</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>A civil rights law such as the ADA is effective only in so far as it is understood by the general public. To that end the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio stands ready to educate business owners about accessibility. Ohio has a network of Independent Living Centers that often (if resources permit) can provide technical assistance and guidance on accessibility to businesses. The Great Lakes ADA Center also provides webinars and toolkits for businesses interested in coming into compliance with accessibility requirements of the law. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Rather than eliminate the stick of enforcement, we would hope that the Legislature would look at how to provide some carrots of encouragement and other supports to help businesses to come into compliance, without undermining the legal rights of individuals with disabilities. Our struggle for equal access has been long and hard. Please don’t push us back into inequality.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Many organizations representing people with disabilities have chosen to remain neutral because they see this legislation as permissive rather than prescriptive. Also many organizations are neutral because this legislation applies only to civil litigation filed in state court and does not affect one’s ability to file in Federal court.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio believes that the Ohio Legislature and the general public are taking a dangerous ride down a slippery slope if we start to weaken individual protections. We urge you to work with us to improve public education about accessibility and to provide stronger penalties against attorneys who file frivolous acts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Richard Payne, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>937-396-5573 or 937-829-3368<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><a href="mailto:Rchpay7@gmail.com">Rchpay7@gmail.com</a></span></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>