CA Reps Introduce Bill to Stop Frivolous ADA Lawsuits ABA is asking its bookseller members to reach out to their US Representative immediately and urge them to support the bipartisan ACCESS Act (HR 8396), which is sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) and Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA). Right now, small businesses are constantly at risk of expensive and oftentimes meritless lawsuits over website accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Lawyers filing these suits are interested in profit, not actual accessibility. They hope that the mere threat of a court case is enough to intimidate small business owners into settling, sometimes for upwards of $20,000. Even if your store hasn’t faced one of these suits, it is nonetheless a shadow hanging over every business as a suit could happen at any time. The ACCESS Act will change that. Booksellers are urged to reach out to their member of congress immediately and urge them to support the bipartisan ACCESS Act (HR 8396). Tariff Refund Portal Now Open A refund system for businesses that paid tariffs launched Monday. The Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) refund portal will allow bookstores to claim refunds on tariffs on imported items on which they were charged tariffs (like coffee, tea, and bookstore gifts).
The refund portal is in Phase 1, geared specifically for shipments that are still being processed or were just finalized by customs in the last 80 days. (This could include shipments you have already received or even sold, so check the status to see if they have been processed or finalized by customs.) To check the status and/or to get a refund for tariffs paid, upload the 11-digit Entry Numbers found at the top of your original import receipts, also called Form 7501.
Shipments that are already finalized will be part of Phase 2 or 3. You can visit the refund portal now. Massachusetts: Support the Freedom to Read This National Library Week (April 19–25), we’re proud to stand with the Massachusetts Freedom to Read Coalition in support of H.3594 — critical legislation to protect access to books and defend the freedom to read. Unfortunately, book bans and censorship efforts are rising across the country — and Massachusetts is not immune. H.3594 is a critical step to protect students, support librarians, and ensure access to diverse perspectives in our schools and libraries. At a time of increasing censorship pressures, Massachusetts must continue to lead by example. Please join us in supporting this important legislation: add your voice and urge lawmakers to act. Health Insurance: We Need Your Input! If you are the person responsible for health insurance decisions at your bookstore, please take this quick survey! This survey will provide us with critical information as we assess health insurance solutions for associations (such as Association Health Plans) and other possible options. |
