U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee announced yesterday that his office has reached an agreement with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County to settle allegations that Metro violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide reasonable modifications that would allow disabled individuals to attend public meetings remotely. As part of the settlement, Metro will revise its ADA policies and pay $500 to the complainant. Read more in a news release from the U.S. attorneys office.

As 2024 approaches, the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office Division of Consumer Affairs urges Tennesseans to make a renewed effort to protect themselves and the elderly from scams in the new year. The office has provided key tips to help consumers avoid scam loss, including being aware of fake debt collectors, using only verified customer service contacts for questions about accounts, thoroughly scrutinizing online offers, hiring only licensed contractors, and avoiding transactions involving gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfer. Consumers also can sign up for fraud alerts and learn more about reporting scams from the Federal Trade Commission.

The 35th Annual TBA Health Law Forum is now available for online purchase and viewing. This mainstay for health care lawyers provides 12 general and three dual hours of CLE credit bundled together in our 1-Click package format. Sessions include updates on regulatory fraud and abuse, federal antitrust enforcement, telehealth, the False Claims Act, and legislation and case law, as well as topics such as state privacy issues, price transparency rules and preparing for the next pandemic. Buy the package today!

Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced Thursday he is leading a bipartisan coalition of 18 attorneys general urging Congress to pass the NCAA Accountability Act of 2023. The legislation would ensure that NCAA provides transparent due process in its investigations and create fairness for student-athletes, coaches and institutions. It would also authorize the Department of Justice to take legal action, including fines or removal, against the NCAA or individuals who violate the law. Read the full press release.

The TBA's Hot Topics in Real Estate program wrapped up earlier this year, offering six individual real estate courses such as Politics and Government in Real Estate, Sticky Provisions in a Commercial Lease and Ethics and AI. All the courses are now available to finish up your CLE requirements fast and easy! Looking for something else? Visit our course catalog, which offers more than 200 on-demand programs.

A three-judge panel on Friday issued a temporary injunction blocking a state law that would have replaced nearly half of the members of the Nashville sports authority with state-appointed members, reports the Tennessean. The unanimous ruling held that the 2023 law infringes on Nashville's "constitutionally protected interest in control over its local affairs." Metro Director of Law Wally Dietz said in a statement the city remains "ready to protect the rights of Metropolitan Nashville … in the hope that 2024 results in an improved relationship between the State and Metro Nashville." The decision marks the fourth time this year that courts have sided with Metro Nashville in its legal fights with the state. 

The number of whistleblowers receiving awards from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dropped sharply in fiscal year 2023, reports Bloomberg Law. The agency received more than 18,000 tips in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, a 50% jump from the previous year, according to the SEC annual report to Congress. Only 68 tipsters received awards, compared to more than 100 in 2021 and 2022. The lure of payouts, such as the $279 million that went to one tipster last year, along with no increase in the program’s budget, may be taxing the SEC’s ability to keep up with the intent of the legislation.

The Democratic primary for Shelby County General Sessions Court clerk will be held March 5, 2024, with early voting from Feb. 14-27. Incumbent Joe W. Brown and four other Democrats, Rheunte E. Benson, Shelandra Yvette Ford, Tami Sawyer and George Dempsy Summers, are vying for the nomination. Lisa Arnold is the sole Republican candidate to meet candidate requirements and will appear on the Aug. 1 ballot against the winner of the Democratic primary. The clerk is responsible for keeping records and funds for both the civil and criminal court divisions. Read more about the candidates.

TBAs CLE-Palooza offers webcast replays for all your CLE end-of-the-year requirements through Dec. 31. Webcasts include the Positive Psychology and Leadership Hour and Ethics Homeshow available now, Ethics Update on Dec. 28, Document Management and Retention on Dec. 29, Legislative Update 2023 on Dec. 30 and Eight Reasons Movie Lawyers Would Be Disciplined on Dec. 31. Visit our CLE course schedule for more info and get all your CLE credits before Dec. 31.

Don't forget, the TBA's 12 Days of Ethics ends Friday. Earn all of your ethics hours before the Dec. 31 deadline with the Ultimate Ethics CLE Package which offers up to eight hours of dual credit. Sessions include our popular Ethics Homeshow, updates from the Board of Professional Responsibility and ethics violations in the movies. Also check out our Attorney Wellness Package for five dual CLE hours. Topics include coping skills, setting work boundaries and mindfulness. Discover our other packages or choose from more than 200 on-demand programs. Sign up now!