Representative Mark Foley (R-FL) is pressing for a law that would give businesses notified of Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) violations 90 days to comply before they could be sued.
"Too many lawyers view ADA lawsuits as a quick way to become millionaires and too many small businesses have become their prey," says Foley, who plans to reintroduce the ADA Notification Act after the current Congressional recess.
Those who are covered under the ADA say the lawsuits are necessary to get business owners to make their buildings more accessible. Among other things, the 1990 federal law requires ramps, parking stalls and signs, and dictates the height of countertops, the placement of toilet grab bars and the width of doors.
But some judges have suggested that a large number of ADA lawsuits are frivolous actions filed by a small number of disabled people and their lawyers.
IHRSA's annual Industry Data Survey (IDS) collects useful information about pricing, membership growth, club revenues, and total payroll. Complete the 2005 IDS by April 29 and receive a free, confidential company performance report as well as a free copy of the survey results (Profiles of Success)!
The company performance report contains two powerful features:
PERFORMANCE COMPARATIVES: Your club's performance ratios calculated for you based on your survey input and compared to the rest of the aggregated sample by club type, club size, and other variables; and
PERFORMANCE REPORT CARD: A report card "ranks" your club's performance against other participating clubs on key variables.
Use the link below to complete the survey. Contact Katie Rollauer at 800-228-4772 ext. 146 with any questions.
Complete the Survey
See You in Washington!
IHRSA's 3rd annual Legislative Summit is right around the corner. Plan now to join IHRSA staff and industry leaders in Washington May 18-19!
Highlights include:
"Politics, the Presidency and the Press" by political expert Mary Matalin;
"An Insider's Guide to Health Promotion on the Hill" by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX); and
"The Role of Exercise and Nutrition in Combating Obesity" by Dr. Ross Andersen.
IHRSA members will also visit Capitol Hill and meet with their Members of Congress to discuss important industry initiatives. No political experience is necessary! Use the link below to learn more or to register.
Arkansas: HB 1970, which would require AEDs in health clubs (and includes liability protection), has passed the House and the Senate.
Connecticut: HB 6932, which would repeal the tax on health and athletic club services, has been introduced.
Washington: SB 5186, which would increase the physical activity of the state's citizens, will be heard tomorrow morning at 8:00 by the House Health Care Committee.
