Alcoholic Beverage Control, Administration

Section R81-1-14

Americans With Disabilities Act Complaint Procedure

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 35053
Filed: 07/14/2011 10:02:13 AM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

When the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed by Congress in 1991, states were required to implement rules to establish ADA complaint/grievance procedures. ADA has undergone many revisions, and many of the state's ADA rules have needed updating. The proposed amendments update the DABC's grievance procedures under ADA (patterned after a rule recently enacted by the Department of Administrative Services with the assistance of the Division of Risk Management).

Summary of the rule or change:

This rule amendment establishes new grievance procedures under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and mainly eliminates the ADA coordinating committee that has not functioned for many years. It is patterned after a new model rule drafted by the Department of Administrative Services with the assistance of Risk Management.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 32B-2-202

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

None--This rule amendment updates existing ADA grievance procedures and mainly eliminates the ADA coordinating committee that has not functioned for many years. There are no costs or savings involved in this rule amendment.

local governments:

None--This rule amendment provides for ADA grievance procedures on the state level and does not involve local governments.

small businesses:

None--This rule amendment affects individuals with a disability and does not regulate or affect small businesses.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

This rule amendment clarifies the existing ADA grievance procedures for individuals with disabilities. There will be no cost or savings involved in clarifying these procedures for individuals.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

Grievance procedures are established in the existing rule and are simply being clarified due to ADA revisions over the years. There should be no additional compliance costs for affected individuals to comply with the procedures outlined in the rule amendment.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

This rule amendment updates the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's ADA grievance procedures due to the revisions in the American with Disabilities Act. The revisions to the procedures will have no additional fiscal impact on individuals who file a grievance.

Dennis Kellen, Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Alcoholic Beverage Control
Administration
1625 S 900 W
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84104-1630

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Neil Cohen at the above address, by phone at 801-977-6800, by FAX at 801-977-6889, or by Internet E-mail at ncohen@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

08/31/2011

This rule may become effective on:

09/22/2011

Authorized by:

Dennis Kellen, Director

R81. Alcoholic Beverage Control, Administration.

R81-1. Scope, Definitions, and General Provisions.

R81-1-14. Americans With Disabilities Act [Complaint Procedure]Grievance Procedures .

[(1) Authority and Purpose. This rule is promulgated pursuant to Section 63G-3-201(3). The commission, pursuant to 28 CFR 35.107, July 1, 1992 Ed., adopts, defines, and publishes within this rule complaint procedures providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints filed in accordance with Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act, with the commission or the department.

(2) No qualified individual with a disability, by reason of disability, shall be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the commission, or department, or be subjected to discrimination by the commission or department.

(3) Definitions.

"ADA coordinator" means the commission's and department's coordinator or designee who has responsibility for investigating and providing prompt and equitable resolution of complaints filed by qualified individuals with disabilities.

"ADA State Coordinating Committee" means that committee with representatives designated by the directors of the following agencies: Office of Planning and Budget; Department of Human Resource Management; Division of Risk Management; Division of Facilities Construction Management; and Office of the Attorney General.

"Disability" means with respect to an individual with a disability, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual; a record of an impairment; or being regarded as having an impairment.

"Individual with a disability" means a person who has a disability which limits one of his major life activities and who meets the essential eligibility requirement for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by the commission or department, or who would otherwise be an eligible applicant for vacant positions with the commission or department, as well as those who are employees of the commission or department.

"Major life activities" means functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

(4) Filing of Complaints.

(a) The complaint shall be filed in a timely manner to assure prompt, effective assessment and consideration of the facts, but no later than 60 days from the date of the alleged act of discrimination.

(b) The complaint shall be filed with the commission's and department's ADA coordinator in writing or in another accessible format suitable to the individual.

(c) Each complaint shall:

(i) include the individual's name and address;

(ii) include the nature and extent of the individual's disability;

(iii) describe the commission's or department's alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the commission or department of the nature and date of the alleged violation;

(iv) describe the action and accommodation desire; and

(v) be signed by the individual or by his legal representative.

(d) Complaints filed on behalf of classes or third parties shall describe or identify by name, if possible, the alleged victims of discrimination.

(5) Investigation of Complaint.

(a) The ADA coordinator shall conduct an investigation of each complaint received. The investigation shall be conducted to the extent necessary to assure all relevant facts are determined and documented. This may include gathering all information listed in paragraph (4)(c) of this rule if it is not made available by the individual.

(b) When conducting the investigation, the ADA coordinator may seek assistance from the commission's or department's legal, human resource, and budget staff in determining what action, if any, shall be taken on the complaint. Before making any decision that would involve an expenditure of funds which is not absorbable within the commission's or department's budget and would require appropriation authority; facility modifications; or reclassification or reallocation in grade, the ADA coordinator shall consult with the ADA State Coordinating Committee.

(6) Issuance of Decision.

(a) Within 15 working days after receiving the complaint, the ADA coordinator shall issue a decision outlining in writing or in another acceptable suitable format stating what action, if any, shall be taken on the complaint.

(b) If the coordinator is unable to reach a decision within the 15 working day period, he shall notify the individual with a disability in writing or by another acceptable, suitable format why the decision is being delayed and what additional time is needed to reach a decision.

(7) Appeals.

(a) The individual may appeal the decision of the ADA coordinator by filing an appeal within five working days from the receipt of the decision.

(b) Appeals involving the commission shall be filed in writing with the commission. Appeals involving the department shall be filed in writing with the department's executive director or a designee other than the ADA coordinator.

(c) The filing of an appeal shall be considered as authorization by the individual to allow review of all information, including information classified as private or controlled, by the commission, executive director, or designee.

(d) The appeal shall describe in sufficient detail why the ADA coordinator's decision is in error, is incomplete or ambiguous, is not supported by the evidence, or is otherwise improper.

(e) The commission, executive director, or designee, shall review the factual findings of the investigation and the individual's statement regarding the inappropriateness of the ADA coordinator's decision and arrive at an independent conclusion and recommendation. Additional investigations may be conducted if necessary to clarify questions of fact before arriving at an independent conclusion. Before making any decision that would involve an expenditure of funds which is not absorbable within the commission's or department's budget and would require appropriation authority; facility modifications; or reclassification or reallocation in grade, the commission, executive director, or designee shall also consult with the State ADA Coordinating Committee.

(f) The decision shall be issued within ten working days after receiving the appeal and shall be in writing or in another accessible suitable format to the individual.

(g) If the commission, executive director, or designee is unable to reach a decision within the ten working day period, the individual shall be notified in writing or by another acceptable, suitable format why the decision is being delayed and the additional time needed to reach a decision.

(8) Classification of records. The record of each complaint and appeal, and all written records produced or received as part of the action, shall be classified as protected as defined under Section 63G-2-305 until the ADA coordinator, executive director, or their designees issue the decision, at which time any portions of the record which may pertain to the individual's medical condition shall remain classified as private as defined under Section 63G-2-302, or controlled as defined in Section 63G-2-304. All other information gathered as part of the complaint record shall be classified as private information. Only the written decision of the ADA coordinator, executive director, or designees shall be classified as public information.

(9) Relationship to other laws. This rule does not prohibit or limit the use of remedies available to individuals under the state Anti-Discrimination Complaint Procedures Section 67-19-32; the Federal ADA Complaint Procedures, 28 CFR 35.170, et seq.; or any other Utah or federal law that provides equal or greater protection for the rights of individuals with disabilities.]

(1) Authority and Purpose.

(a) This rule is made under authority of Section 32B-2-202 and 63G-3-201(3). As required by 28 CFR 35.107, the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, as a public entity that employs more than 50 persons, adopts and publishes the grievance procedures within this rule for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended.

(b) The purpose of this rule is to implement the provisions of 28 CFR 35 which in turn implements Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which provides that no individual shall be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by the department because of a disability.

(2) Definitions.

(a) "ADA Coordinator" means the employee assigned by the executive director to investigate and facilitate the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints filed by qualified persons with disabilities. The ADA Coordinator may be a representative of the Department of Human Resource Management assigned to the Department.

(b) "Department" means the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

(c) "Designee" means an individual appointed by the executive director or a director to investigate allegations of ADA non-compliance in the event the ADA Coordinator is unable or unwilling to conduct an investigation for any reason, including a conflict of interest. A designee does not have to be an employee of the department; however, the designee must have a working knowledge of the responsibilities and obligations required of employers and employees by the ADA.

(d) "Director" means the head of the division of the Department affected by a complaint filed under this rule.

(e) "Disability" means, with respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual; a record of such an impairment; or being regarded as having such an impairment.

(f) "Executive Director" means the executive director of the department.

(g) "Major life activities" include caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, and working. A major life activity also includes the operation of a major bodily function, such as functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.

(h) "Qualified Individual" means an individual who meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by the Department. A "qualified individual" is also an individual who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position that individual holds or desires.

(3) Filing of Complaints.

(a) Any qualified individual may file a complaint alleging noncompliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, or the federal regulations promulgated thereunder.

(b) Qualified individuals shall file their complaints with the Department's ADA Coordinator, unless the complaint alleges that the ADA Coordinator was non-compliant, in which case qualified individuals shall file their complaints with the Department's designee.

(c) Qualified individuals shall file their complaints within 90 days after the date of the alleged noncompliance to facilitate the prompt and effective consideration of pertinent facts and appropriate remedies; however, the Executive Director has the discretion to direct that the grievance process be utilized to address legitimate complaints filed more than 90 days after alleged noncompliance.

(d) Each complaint shall:

(i) include the complainant's name and address;

(ii) include the nature and extent of the individual's disability;

(iii) describe the department's alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the department of the nature and date of the alleged violation;

(iv) describe the action and accommodation desired; and

(v) be signed by the complainant or by his legal representative.

(e) Complaints filed on behalf of classes or third parties shall describe or identify by name, if possible, the alleged victims of discrimination.

(f) If the complaint is not in writing, the ADA coordinator or designee shall transcribe or otherwise reduce the complaint to writing upon receipt of the complaint.

(g) By the filing of a complaint or a subsequent appeal, the complainant authorizes necessary parties to conduct a confidential review all relevant information, including records classified as private or controlled under the Government Records Access and Management Act, Utah Code, Subsection 63G-2-302(1)(b) and Section 63G-2-304,consistent with 42 U.S.C. 12112(d)(4)(A), (B), and (C) and 42 U.S.C. Section 12112(d)(3)(B) and (C), and relevant information otherwise protected by statute, rule, regulation, or other law.

(4) Investigation of Complaints.

(a) The ADA coordinator or designee shall investigate complaints to the extent necessary to assure all relevant facts are collected and documented. This may include gathering all information listed in Subsection R81-1-14(3)(d) and (g) of this rule if it is not made available by the complainant.

(b) The ADA coordinator or designee may seek assistance from the Attorney General's staff, and the department's human resource and budget staff in determining what action, if any, should be taken on the complaint. The ADA coordinator or designee may also consult with the director of the affected division in making a recommendation.

(c) The ADA coordinator or designee shall consult with representatives from other state agencies that may be affected by the decision, including the Office of Planning and Budget, the Department of Human Resource Management, the Division of Risk Management, the Division of Facilities Construction Management, and the Office of the Attorney General before making any recommendation that would:

(i) involve an expenditure of funds beyond what is reasonably able to be accommodated within the applicable line item so that it would require a separate appropriation;

(ii) require facility modifications; or

(iii) require reassignment to a different position.

(5) Recommendation and Decision.

(a) Within 15 working days after receiving the complaint, the ADA coordinator or designee shall recommend to the director what action, if any, should be taken on the complaint. The recommendation shall be in writing or in another accessible format suitable to the complainant.

(b) If the ADA coordinator or designee is unable to make a recommendation within the 15 working day period, the complainant shall be notified in writing, or in another accessible format suitable to the complainant, stating why the recommendation is delayed and what additional time is needed.

(c) The director may confer with the ADA coordinator or designee and the complainant and may accept or modify the recommendation to resolve the complaint. The director shall render a decision within 15 working days after the director's receipt of the recommendation from the ADA coordinator or designee. The director shall take all reasonable steps to implement the decision. The director's decision shall be in writing, or in another accessible format suitable to the complainant, and shall be promptly delivered to the complainant.

(6) Appeals.

(a) The complainant may appeal the director's decision to the executive director within ten working days after the complainant's receipt of the director's decision.

(b) The appeal shall be in writing or in another accessible format reasonably suited to the complainant's ability.

(c) The executive director may name a designee to assist on the appeal. The ADA coordinator and the director's designee may not also be the executive director's designee for the appeal.

(d) In the appeal the complainant shall describe in sufficient detail why the decision does not effectively address the complainant's needs.

(e) The executive director or designee shall review the ADA coordinator's recommendation, the director's decision, and the points raised on appeal prior to reaching a decision. The executive director may direct additional investigation as necessary. The executive director shall consult with representatives from other state agencies that would be affected by the decision, including the Office of Planning and Budget, the Department of Human Resource Management, the Division of Risk Management, the Division of Facilities Construction Management, and the Office of the Attorney General before making any decision that would:

(i) involve an expenditure of funds beyond what is reasonably able to be accommodated within the applicable line item so that it would require a separate appropriation;

(ii) require facility modifications; or

(iii) require reassignment to a different position.

(f) The executive director shall issue a final decision within 15 working days after receiving the complainant's appeal. The decision shall be in writing, or in another accessible format suitable to the complainant, and shall be promptly delivered to the complainant.

(g) If the executive director or designee is unable to reach a final decision within the 15 working day period, the complainant shall be notified in writing, or by another accessible format suitable to the complainant, why the final decision is being delayed and the additional time needed to reach a final decision.

(7) Record Classification.

(a) Records created in administering this rule are classified as "protected" under Subsections 63G-2-305(9), (22), (24), and (25).

(b) After issuing a decision under Section R81-1-14(5)or a final decision upon appeal under Section R81-1-14(6), portions of the record pertaining to the complainant's medical condition shall be classified as "private" under Subsection 63G-2-302(1)(b) or "controlled" under Section 63G-2-304, consistent with 42 U.S.C. 12112(d)(4)(A), (B), and (C) and 42 U.S.C. 12112(d)(3)(B) and (C), at the option of the ADA coordinator.

(a) The written decision of the division director or executive director shall be classified as "public," and all other records, except controlled records under Subsection R81-1-14(7)(b), classified as "private."

(8) Relationship to Other Laws. This rule does not prohibit or limit the use of remedies available to individuals under:

(a) the state Anti-Discrimination Complaint Procedures, Section 34A-5-107, and Section 67-19-32;

(b) the Federal ADA Complaint Procedures, 28 CFR 35.170 through 28 CFR 35.178; or

(c) any other Utah State or federal law that provides equal or greater protection for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

 

KEY: alcoholic beverages

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [February 24, ]2011

Notice of Continuation: May 10, 2011

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: [32A-1-106(9)]32B-2-201(10); [32A-1-107]32B-2-202; [32A-1-119(5)(c)]32B-3-203(3)(c); [32A-1-702]32B-1-305; [32A-1-703]32B-1-306; [32A-1-704]32B-1-307; [32A-1-807]32B-1-607; [32A-3-103(1)(a)]32B-1-304(1)(a); [32A-4-103(1)(a)]; [32A-4-106(1)(a)]; [32A-4-203(1)(a)]; [32A-4-304(1)(a)]; [32A-4-307(1)(a)]; [32A-4-401(1)(a)]; [32A-5-103(1)(a)]; [32A-6-103(2)(a)]; [32A-7-103(2)(a)]; [32A-7-106(5)]32B-6-702; [32A-8-103(1)(a)]; [32A-8-503(1)(a)]; [32A-9-103(1)(a)]; [32A-10-203(1)(a)]; [32A-10-206(14)]32B-6-805(3); [32A-10-303(1)(a)]; [32A-10-306(5)]32B-9-204(4); [32A-11-103(1)(a)]; [32A-12-212(1)(b) and (c)]32B-4-414(1)(b) and (c)