Civil Rights & Liberties Bills

Requires businesses with 50 or fewer employees to receive written notice of accessibility violations before lawsuits. Protects businesses from damages if accessibility violations are corrected within 120 days of notice. Establishes reduced penalties for small businesses that promptly fix accessibility violations. Prevents plaintiffs from bypassing notice requirements by filing general discrimination claims.

Makes technical changes to civil procedure laws by clarifying the definition of 'action' to include special civil proceedings when necessary. Requires only a majority vote for passage with no fiscal impact or appropriations needed.

Intent bill that proposes to enact new legislation addressing crimes involving firearms. Builds upon existing state regulations governing firearm manufacture, distribution, transportation, and importation.

Extends the deadline for adult sexual assault survivors to file previously time-barred civil lawsuits through December 31, 2027. Allows revival of claims against both perpetrators and entities that covered up previous sexual assault incidents or allegations. Requires plaintiffs to prove both the occurrence of sexual assault and that responsible entities engaged in concealing evidence or using non-disclosure agreements. Imposes penalties through civil damages against responsible private entities while exempting public entities from these provisions.

Expands confidentiality protections for all court petitions related to gender and sex identifier changes, removing the previous age restriction that only protected minors. Requires courts to immediately secure any exposed records and implement confidentiality measures for both new and existing petitions without requiring court orders or fees. Prohibits anyone except the petitioner from posting these confidential records publicly or online. Takes effect immediately as an urgency measure to address rising discrimination and violence against transgender individuals.

Increases maximum attorney's fees in book account disputes to $1,200 for personal accounts and $1,600 for business accounts, while maintaining the 25% cap of the principal obligation. Requires written agreements to explicitly state that prevailing parties can receive attorney's fees before such fees can be awarded. Excludes insurance companies, banks, and other financial institutions from these fee requirements unless specifically agreed to by contract.

Requires account managers to disable abusers' access to connected devices within 2 business days of receiving a valid device protection request from domestic violence survivors. Establishes a streamlined process for survivors to submit device protection requests with documentation like protective orders or professional affidavits. Mandates account managers keep survivors' information confidential and securely dispose of submitted documentation within 90 days. Imposes civil penalties up to $2,500 per device for violations, enforceable by state authorities or individuals harmed by non-compliance.

Requires election officials to provide voting materials in Bengali when requested by voters. Mandates translation of all election documents including registration forms, ballots, and instructions. Establishes state reimbursement to local agencies for costs of providing Bengali language services.

Makes technical changes to civil action procedures without substantive modifications.

Undeveloped 'intent bill' that aims to help victims of racially motivated eminent domain recover their property. Proposes options for property return, equivalent property, or financial compensation for affected parties.

Expands the types of damages that can be recovered in lawsuits filed by representatives of deceased persons. Removes time restrictions on when certain damages like pain and suffering can be claimed after death. Eliminates requirements for courts to report settlement and judgment details to the Legislature.

Undeveloped "intent bill" that aims to create new gun violence prevention legislation.