LINCOLN- Legislative bill 770, introduced by State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, would require the Nebraska Secretary of State's Office to audit the Department of Motor Vehicles, polling places, and the offices of county clerks and county commissioners to confirm that these areas of government are complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If passed, the audits would begin in 2025 and be conducted thereafter every five years. "While the Americans with Disabilities Act passed in 1990," Cavanaugh told the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday, "we are still trying to bring all facilities into compliance." After the audits, the Secretary of State's Office would provide its findings and any recommended changes to the Government, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee, as well as the Governor's Office.

Edison McDonald, a representative of The Arc of Nebraska, an advocacy group for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, testified in support of the bill. "This bill," said McDonald, "helps to provide a toll and a pathway to help ensure that we are regularly assessing this process." The audits, specifically, will look to see whether doors to polling places can be opened without grasping, whether parking spaces are accessible, and whether each of the above locations has safe lighting.

For the full article click HERE