WASHINGTON—As frivolous lawsuits filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) continue to mount, NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger is urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to move forward with proposed rulemaking to clarify the act's standards and protect credit unions from undue burdens.
In a letter sent to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Berger reiterated NAFCU's support of efforts to ensure individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against and have equal access to financial services.
However, Berger noted that the DOJ's silence on whether the ADA's public accommodations provision applies to websites is causing harm to credit unions and the members they serve.
"NAFCU and our members would respectfully request the Department consider issuing additional guidance and/or an interim final rule that provides clear 'rules of the road' for financial institutions in the area of website accessibility under the ADA," Berger wrote. "The current 'grey area' has led to an increase in frivolous litigation which is equating to real dollars being taken out of the hands of credit union members to be put into the pockets of plaintiff’s attorneys."
As the DOJ pursues rulemaking to clarify the ADA, Berger asked that the department keep in mind credit unions' status as "member-focused community-based financial institutions" and look to limit potential regulatory burdens credit unions could face as a result of website accessibility requirements.