Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accessibility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
TREC to centralize 2027 meetings in Nashville, citing ADA compliance; commissioners push to retain regional access
Summary
Staff told commissioners that federal ADA implementation in 2027 requires word‑perfect transcripts and technology not portable to many off-site venues; the commission approved 2027 meeting dates and an 8:30 a.m. start time after debate about regional access and whether TREC could acquire mobile transcription tools.
Tennessee Real Estate Commission staff proposed consolidating all 2027 commission meetings in Nashville to meet upcoming Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and ensure accessible facilities and transcription capabilities.
Assistant Commissioner Witcher told the commission the ADA changes set to take effect in 2027 include a private right of action and require a ‘‘word-perfect’’ transcript and reliable streaming; the state’s shared technology used for transcription is not portable to many off-site venues. Commissioners questioned whether TREC could purchase mobile technology to preserve scheduled regional meetings; staff said it was unlikely because boards share services and the specific technology is a general services product not owned by TREC. After discussion, the commission approved the 2027 calendar but amended the motion to set a start time of 8:30 a.m., a change that carried unanimously.
Commissioners said they value regional visibility and requested future agendas examine whether one meeting per year could be held in East or West Tennessee if technological solutions allow. Staff committed to further research and to provide ADA training and additional guidance to commissioners before implementation.
