Missouri Lawmakers Aim to Curb 'Predatory' ADA Lawsuits Against Small Businesses

Proposed legislation seeks to protect local companies from website accessibility lawsuits.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Missouri lawmakers are taking action to address a growing trend of 'predatory' lawsuits targeting small businesses over alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on their websites. Over 100 locally owned Missouri businesses have been hit with such lawsuits, prompting state legislators to propose new measures that would curb these legal actions.

Why it matters

Small businesses in Missouri have faced an onslaught of lawsuits claiming their websites do not meet ADA accessibility standards, even when the companies are making good-faith efforts to comply. These lawsuits are seen as exploitative, as plaintiffs often seek large cash settlements rather than actual website improvements.

The details

The proposed legislation would require plaintiffs to provide businesses with written notice of any alleged ADA violations and allow the businesses a reasonable time to correct the issues before a lawsuit can be filed. It would also cap damages and attorney's fees that can be awarded in such cases.

  • The Missouri legislature is currently considering the new bill to address 'predatory' ADA lawsuits.

The players

Tim Bommel

A member of the Missouri House of Representatives who is sponsoring the legislation to curb ADA-related lawsuits against small businesses.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The proposed legislation must still make its way through the Missouri legislature before potentially becoming law.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between ADA compliance and the legal challenges facing small businesses, as lawmakers seek to find a balance between accessibility and overly aggressive litigation tactics.