HF2955 Summary

• Amends the one-year statute of limitations for discrimination claims by suspending the filing deadline during voluntary dispute resolution processes, including arbitration, mediation, and grievance procedures.

• Requires respondents participating in pre-filing dispute resolution to notify the department and charging party in writing of participation dates; failure to notify bars the statute of limitations defense unless one year plus the suspension period has passed.

• Establishes requirements for attorneys to send a dated notice before filing civil actions for architectural barrier violations, citing the violated law, identifying each barrier and its location, and providing at least 30 days for response.

• Prohibits pre-litigation notices from requesting money but allows settlement negotiations; civil actions cannot be filed before the response period expires.

• Provides defendants with affirmative defenses if the barrier has been removed, compliance is not readily achievable, or the barrier does not violate accessibility requirements; shifts burden to plaintiffs challenging certified professional audits to prove non-compliance.

• Exempts unrepresented persons and state/political subdivision attorneys from notice requirements; does not bar actions challenging audit findings, injury damage claims, or those with filed charges.