Advocacy in Action for a Stable Business Environment

Submitted on Behalf of the St. Charles Regional Chamber

Senator Trent,

On behalf of the St. Charles Regional Chamber, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of SB 907, sponsored by Senator Hudson. The St. Charles Regional Chamber represents nearly 1,400 businesses across St. Charles County, ranging from sole proprietors to large employers, all of whom rely on a fair and predictable legal environment to operate and grow.

Missouri businesses—particularly small and mid-sized employers—are increasingly facing ADA website accessibility lawsuits that are not driven by a genuine effort to improve accessibility, but rather by a litigation model that incentivizes lawsuits over compliance. These actions often occur without prior notice or an opportunity for businesses to correct alleged deficiencies, creating uncertainty and financial strain for employers attempting to operate in good faith.

SB 907 offers a balanced and responsible approach.The legislation preserves the core intent of the ADA—ensuring access for individuals with disabilities—while discouraging abusive legal practices. By establishing clearer standards and providing notice and an opportunity to cure alleged violations, SB 907 encourages collaboration and compliance rather than costly and unnecessary litigation.

In contrast, SB 1154 (Nicola) fails to meaningfully address the problem. That legislation was drafted by trial attorneys—the same group driving these lawsuits.

The St. Charles Regional Chamber strongly supports accessibility and inclusion. Our members want to serve all customers and comply with the law, but they need clarity, fairness, and a reasonable path to compliance—not a system that punishes good-faith efforts and diverts resources away from meaningful accessibility improvements.

For these reasons, we respectfully urge the Committee to support SB 907 and reject approaches that continue to enable predatory lawsuits against Missouri employers.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to the State of Missouri.

Respectfully submitted,
Scott Tate
President & CEO
St. Charles Regional Chamber
St. Charles County, Missouri