State legislatures all over the United States are introducing new bills or continuing to pursue those that were left unfinished in 2023. RespectAbility is closely monitoring several bills at the state level. In Washington, SB 5616 aims to establish the Nothing About Us Without Us Act, while Colorado’s HB 24-1067 seeks to clarify that many caucuses and government meetings are not accessible to people with disabilities. Virginia’s HB 1165 is aimed at expanding the definitions in various laws to improve the lives of people with disabilities. RespectAbility is also in favor of California’s SB 483, a bill that would prohibit the use of prone restraints in schools.
RespectAbility is enthusiastic about engaging with these and other bills as the 2024 legislative cycle progresses. RespectAbility is also collaborating with other disability organizations to explore the possibility of establishing legislative disability caucuses in California, Colorado, and Nebraska.
