TITLE: Directing the State Preservation Board to conduct a study on improving access to the State Capitol building for persons with mobility impairments.

SUMMARY: Directing the State Preservation Board to conduct a study on improving access to the State Capitol building for persons with mobility impairments.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a wide-ranging civil rights law, prohibits discrimination based on disability under certain circumstances; and WHEREAS, Under Title III of the ADA, no individual may be discriminated against on the basis of disability with regard to the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases, or operates a place of public accommodation; and WHEREAS, The Texas State Capitol building clearly falls into the category of "public accommodations," which encompasses everything from hotels and restaurants to educational facilities and recreation spots; moreover, it is in the interest of the state to ensure that its most public building is easily accessible to all citizens, including people with disabilities, veterans, parents with small children, and the elderly; and WHEREAS, Currently, persons whose mobility is impaired are limited to entering the Capitol through the north doors, a limitation that causes added inconvenience for people who park in the visitor's parking garage and that can result in delays when large numbers of people are coming to the Capitol; and WHEREAS, There may be other features that present additional barriers for Texans who want to meet their legislators or attend legislative proceedings, and an assessment of Capitol access is warranted; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas, 2nd Called Session, hereby direct the State Preservation Board to conduct a study on improving access to the Capitol building for persons with mobility impairments and to prepare a report, including findings and recommendations, within six months of the passage of this resolution; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board include in its report a list of enhancements that can be accomplished with existing resources, as well as a list of those improvements that require the appropriation of additional funds, and that on completion of the report, the board immediately commence implementation of those enhancements for which resources are already available.