JUN-07-00 09:32 From: 2023716310 T-352 P.01/02 Job-317
OFFICE OF SENATOR BOB DOLE
FACSIMILE COVER SHEET

DATE: 6-7-00
TO: Alec Vachon
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FROM: Bob Dole
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JUN-07-00 09:32 From: 2023716310 T-352 P.02/02 Job-317
JOSEPH R. FIELDS, JR., P.A.
LAWYER

JOSEPH R. FIELDS, JR.
TELEPHONE (501) 832-5655
FACSIMILE (561) 835-8662

SUITE 1450	NORTHBRIDGE CENTRE	515 NORTH FLAGLER DRIVE		WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33401

June 2, 2000
Senator Bob Dole
Suite 410
901 15th Street N.W.
Washington, D.C., 20005

RE: Legislation to provide guidance to individuals on compliance with ADA

Dear Senator Dole:

I recently testified before the Subcommittee hearing in regards to Representative Foley's ADA Notification Act. During discussions with Representative Foley, he shared with me you suggestion of drafting legislation to provide guidance on compliance with the ADA.

Having represented persons with disabilities in the past but having testified in favor of the notification act because of the abuse by attorneys in the South Florida area, I would think that businesses including local governments would be very supportive of your proposal. When clients
come to me having just been sued for ADA violations, they are often times shocked to learn that the fact that they were inspected by a local agency for purposes of getting an occupational permit does not mean that their business was ADA compliant. Considering that Federal, State and Local governments have a hard time interpreting the ADA, its no wonder that a few attorneys have used the ADA to make a fortune in attorneys fees. The past hearings demonstrate that there is a problem that is growing as time passes. It would not surprise me that in the calendar year 2000, South Florida experiences a two-fold growth in the number of lawsuits filed.

I would welcome the opportunity to assist in reviewing any proposed legislation on your idea and provide input regarding any changes that might be helpful. From my perspective as an attorney who is in the trenches litigating these issues, it might be helpful to you and your assistants to receive input from someone who has to deal with ADA litigation on a daily basis.

Please let me know if I can be of help to you.

Very truly yours, 
(signature)

Joseph R. Fields, Jr.

JRF/lb
cc: Congressman Mark Foley