In a landmark move helping small business owners, Missouri lawmakers have advanced five bills designed to protect small businesses from the growing threat of abusive website access litigation. These measures aim to address the surge in lawsuits targeting business websites under the guise of ADA compliance.
The proposed laws—HB 1674, HB 1694, HB 1755, HB 1780, and HB 2056—are collectively known as the “Acts Against Abusive Website Access” and will now move to the House Legislative Rules Committee before heading to the Senate for further consideration.
This group of bills targets what lawmakers call “sue and settle” abuses, which are cases where attorneys file lawsuits primarily to secure quick settlements rather than achieve genuine change. The legislation is designed to protect small businesses while still promoting ADA compliance. If enacted, the bills would give business owners 30 days to address website accessibility issues in “good faith” and provide the option to counter-sue if they believe they have been unfairly targeted.
This legislative push comes as small businesses with websites face an escalating number of lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In Missouri alone, hundreds of small firms have received demand letters or been sued over website accessibility in recent years. According to EcomBack’s latest annual ADA lawsuit report, 85 lawsuits were filed in Missouri in 2025, compared to just 35 the previous year.
Many of these lawsuits have been filed by a single attorney representing one plaintiff, targeting businesses across industries, such as restaurants, retail shops, and other local companies.
Why These Bills Matter to Small Businesses
Small businesses often lack in-house legal teams or dedicated web developers, making them vulnerable to automated scans that flag minor technical issues as potential ADA violations, such as missing alt text or form labels. Settlements have ranged between $5,000 and $20,000, with a lot of that money going to lawyers rather than spending it to improve accessibility.
How Businesses Should Act to Comply with the ADA
Whether or not the bills become law, avoiding ADA claims is best done through proactive compliance. Here’s a practical checklist for small business owners:
1. Understand ADA and WCAG Basics
Key areas include:
- Descriptive alternative text for images
- Proper heading structures
- Keyboard accessibility for forms and navigation
- Text contrast and readability
2. Perform an Accessibility Audit
Automated audit tools can catch obvious issues, such as missing image alt text or color contrast errors, but many accessibility barriers are much more nuanced. Manual, expert reviews, performed by accessibility professionals, can identify complex problems at the code level.
That’s why it’s essential to seek out consultants with deep experience in ADA and WCAG compliance. For example, EcomBack offers thorough manual audits, user testing with people with disabilities, and customized remediation services to ensure your website is truly accessible and compliant.
3. Create a Remediation Plan
Having a clear remediation plan and acting promptly strengthens your position if you ever receive notice of a potential violation.
If issues are found:
- Prioritize fixes by impact and risk
- Document your process and timeline
- Keep records of communications, fix attempts, and updates
4. Create an Accessibility Statement
A visible accessibility statement on your website, showing your commitment and outlining the steps you’ve taken, helps demonstrate good faith and can reduce the likelihood of complaints and demand letters.
5. Educate Your Team
Train staff who manage web content so accessibility becomes part of regular updates rather than an afterthought.
EcomBack’s Mission: Empowering Compliance and Inclusion
Missouri’s efforts to pass the Acts Against Abusive Website Access signal a major step forward in protecting small businesses from unnecessary lawsuits. However, small business owners should continue prioritizing ADA compliance as both a legal safeguard and a way to make their websites welcoming to all.
At EcomBack, our mission is to empower small businesses by providing comprehensive ADA website accessibility solutions. We are dedicated to helping business owners achieve full digital compliance, safeguard their company from costly litigation, and create inclusive online experiences for all users. Through expert audits, remediation, and ongoing support, EcomBack ensures that accessibility is not just a legal requirement but a business advantage.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. EcomBack is not a law firm. Readers should consult a qualified attorney regarding legal obligations related to accessibility compliance.
