Newsroom

September 07, 2017

NAFCU-backed ADA bill could curb frivolous lawsuits against CUs

A NAFCU-supported bill that cleared the House Judiciary Committee Thursday would likely curb frivolous lawsuits against credit unions filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The bill would set conditions for filing civil actions over the failure to remove an architectural barrier to an existing public place, among other things.

The bill, the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 620), was introduced by Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, in February. The bill would also require the Justice Department to develop a program that would educate state and local governments, among others, on strategies for promoting access to public accommodations for those with a disability. The program may also include training for professionals to provide guidance for remediation in the event of potential ADA violations.

The bill has garnered bipartisan support in the House, and NAFCU is continuing to work with lawmakers on ways to expand some of its protections.