Fine Print Bill - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports
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An Odenville man has a big goal in sight: eliminating fine print. He's written a bill to gain the attention of legislators.
You see it everywhere, the fine print. Contest entries -- legal documents.. but not everyone sees eye to eye on that. "I believe it's a deceptive practice that has been used for many years." John Boshell considers it an obstacle. He's visually impaired, had over 14 eye surgeries and now on a mission to help everyone see a clearer vision.
Boshell says "I'm proposing a bill that would make the use of fine print on legal binding documents illegal. I believe in keeping with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. Visually impaired people should have equal access to their legal binding documents. "
Some wonder why you can't have a lawyer or someone else read the fine print, or have technology make it bigger, but Boshell says they should be able to read it by themselves." He's even started a petition, it already has close to 100 signatures. He hopes to eventually get a bill in the hands of legislators. State Representative Dickie Drake is doing some research. "It actually should be a federal mandate in my opinion under the Disabilities Act because even myself, I'm not a lawyer and don't understand what fine print is. It gives you the implication there's something to hide."
Meanwhile Boshell is spreading the word, hoping others will lend their support. "I think we should make sure everyone has an opportunity to see and understand what they're signing or agreeing to."
Boshell has also rallied support with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. He's hoping the bill will make it to the legislation session in February.
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