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A 2589

Waives state's sovereign immunity to liability under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and certain other federal acts

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 18 co-sponsors

Bill A 2589 allows individuals with disabilities to sue the state for ADA violations, promoting accountability and ensuring better access to services and rights.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2589

Summary of Bill A 2589

Title

Waives state's sovereign immunity to liability under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and certain other federal acts

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 2589
  • Status: Referred to Codes
  • Introduced: January 21, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 2589 aims to waive the state's sovereign immunity concerning liability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and other specified federal acts. The intent of this legislation is to ensure that individuals with disabilities can seek legal recourse against the state for violations of their rights under these federal laws.

Key Provisions

  • Sovereign Immunity Waiver: The bill explicitly waives the state's sovereign immunity, allowing individuals to file lawsuits against the state for non-compliance with the ADA and other related federal statutes.
  • Scope of Liability: The legislation encompasses various federal acts that protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, thereby broadening the scope of accountability for the state.

Impact

  • Individuals with Disabilities: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals with disabilities who may have faced discrimination or barriers to access due to state policies or actions. By waiving sovereign immunity, these individuals gain the ability to hold the state accountable in court.
  • State Agencies: State agencies may face increased legal exposure and potential financial liabilities as a result of this waiver. This could lead to changes in how state services are provided to ensure compliance with federal disability laws.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 21, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to Governmental Operations.
  • March 18, 2025: Reported and referred to Ways and Means.
  • April 2, 2025: Amended and recommitted to Ways and Means; printed as number 2589A.
  • May 13, 2025: Reported, referred to Rules, and ordered to third reading.
  • May 14, 2025: Passed Assembly and delivered to the Senate; referred to Codes.

Related Bills

This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- A 5388
- A 828
- A 3689
- A 3651
- A 7653
- A 2546
- A 1092
- A 7121
- A 6541
- S 726 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill A 2589 represents a significant step toward enhancing the legal rights of individuals with disabilities in relation to state actions. By waiving sovereign immunity, the bill seeks to promote accountability and ensure compliance with federal disability laws, ultimately fostering a more inclusive environment for all citizens.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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