Utica area Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi said a bill passed by the House of Representatives is a major step back for disability rights.

He joined advocates for people with disabilities to speak out about the ADA Education and Reform Act.

The bill would allow businesses six months to develop a plan and show progress in addressing barriers to accessibility before a lawsuit can be filed for not complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Advocates said businesses have had nearly 30 years to make their buildings accessible and should not be allowed more leniency.

"If the health department comes in and you own a restaurant and they say you need to do this, this and this,” said RCIL Accessibility Consultant Danny McLain. “You're going to do it. You know why you're going to do it? Because they're going to shut you down if you don't. ADA doesn't have those same teeth. Now you're taking what teeth it does have away."

Brindisi called on the U.S. Senate to prevent this bill from even being considered.