What does Preamble of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To establish uniform accessibility standards for websites and applications of employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, joint labor-management committees, public entities, public accommodations, testing entities, and commercial providers, and for other purposes,' aims to establish uniform accessibility standards. The bill's purpose is to address website and application accessibility for a range of entities including employers, agencies, labor organizations, and public accommodations.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025.

What does FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines findings related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its applicability to websites and applications. It states that Congress intended the ADA to “keep pace with the rapidly changing technology of the times.” The text highlights that many websites and applications used by entities covered by the ADA contain significant barriers for individuals with disabilities. The purpose of the Act, as stated in this section, is to affirm that websites and applications used by covered entities must be readily accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Act aims to require the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to set and enforce additional accessibility standards for websites, electronic documents, and software applications. It seeks to address the systemic problem of inaccessible websites and applications and create mechanisms to respond to emerging technologies.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. "Accessible" means web content or an application that enables individuals with disabilities to access information and engage effectively. "Accessibility regulations" refer to regulations issued under section 5 of the Act. The term "ADA" refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. "Application" means software designed to perform a specific task on a device. "Commercial provider" is an entity whose operations affect commerce and designs or develops applications or web content for covered entities. "Covered entity" includes employment entities, public entities, public accommodations, and testing entities. "Covered use" relates to employment actions, public services, and the provision of goods or services by public accommodations and testing entities. "Information and communication technology" encompasses equipment and systems used to acquire, store, analyze, and transmit data. "Small entity" is defined by regulations issued under section 5.

What does ACCESS TO WEB CONTENT AND APPLICATIONS. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 do?

This section prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities related to web content and applications used by employment entities, public entities, and public accommodations/testing entities. Covered entities are required to ensure web content and applications are accessible and that communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as those without disabilities. Commercial providers are prohibited from designing or providing inaccessible web content or applications to covered entities. Entities may assert an 'undue burden' or 'fundamental alteration' defense if compliance with accessibility requirements would impose such a burden or fundamentally alter the nature of services or employment provided. Section 102 of the ADA (42 U.S.C. 12112) is referenced throughout the section.

What does RULEMAKING. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes rulemaking procedures related to web content and application accessibility. The Attorney General is required to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding accessibility within 12 months of the Act's enactment, followed by a final rule within 24 months. The final rule will implement accessibility obligations, include standards for accessible web content, and consider the capabilities of small entities. The final rule's effective date is 30 days after issuance for most entities, and 3 years after issuance for small entities. The Attorney General must publicly post settlement documents and resolutions related to enforcement actions within 6 months of the final rule's issuance. Similar rulemaking procedures apply to employment entities, with the Commission responsible for issuing notices and final rules. For employment entities, the final rule’s effective date is 30 days after issuance for most entities, and 2 years after issuance for small entities.

What does PERIODIC REVIEW. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes a periodic review process for the Act. Federal agencies receiving complaints or engaging in enforcement actions under this Act must submit reports to the Department and the Commission annually for the first three years, and every two years thereafter. The Attorney General and the Commission will review complaints and actions to determine if the Act's purpose is being achieved, conducting these reviews every two years for the first three years. The Attorney General and the Commission may provide grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to entities with experience in data collection and analysis related to reviews. A report detailing the review results will be submitted to specified Senate and House committees. The Attorney General and the Commission must update accessibility regulations every three years following the initial regulations.

What does ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION, AND PRIVATE RIGHT OF of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 do?

This section outlines enforcement actions and private rights of action related to violations of section 4. The Attorney General may investigate complaints of violations of section 4 and may bring a civil action if a violation is determined. Individuals, classes, or entities can bring civil actions alleging violations of section 4 without first exhausting administrative remedies. The Commission has similar authority to investigate complaints and bring civil actions related to employment entities and violations of section 4. Qualified individuals and entities can bring civil actions alleging violations related to employment entities without prior administrative exhaustion. The Attorney General may carry out functions of the Commission under this subsection as outlined in section 107 of the ADA. In civil actions, the Attorney General or Commissioner may seek civil penalties, injunctive relief, and damages on behalf of affected individuals. Plaintiffs in civil actions may seek injunctive relief and damages. The prevailing plaintiff (other than the United States) is entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

What does RECOMMENDATIONS. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes a standing advisory committee on accessible web content and applications. The Attorney General and the Commission will operate the Committee in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The Committee must include individuals with disabilities (comprising a majority of members), experts on accessible web content, and a representative from the United States Access Board. The Committee may also include representatives from state and local government, covered entities, commercial providers, testing entities, and other appropriate entities. The Committee's functions include conducting public meetings at least twice per year and submitting reports and recommendations to the Attorney General and Commission every two years. The Committee will assist the Attorney General and Commission in understanding the impact of innovations related to accessible web content and applications. The Attorney General and the Commission must confer with the National Council on Disability and other relevant federal entities.

What does TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes a technical assistance center to provide information, resources, training, and technical assistance regarding accessible web content and applications. The Attorney General, in coordination with other agencies, will award grants to qualified providers to support the development and procurement of accessible web content and applications. Entities seeking grants must submit applications to the Attorney General, which will consider input from individuals with disabilities, experts, and relevant agencies. Grant recipients are required to support a training and technical assistance program addressing information requests from covered entities and commercial providers. Authorized activities include facilitating information sharing, convening experts, sharing best practices, and supporting activities to reduce the costs of accessible technology. Grant recipients must collaborate with various organizations, including those representing individuals with disabilities, technical assistance entities, and agencies developing accessibility standards.

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Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025

Last updated: 5/14/2025 · Introduced: 5/14/2025

Author: Pete Sessions (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes uniform accessibility standards for websites and applications used by employers, agencies, public entities, and commercial providers to ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access.
It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities related to web content and applications, requiring covered entities to ensure accessibility and effective communication.
The Attorney General and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are tasked with issuing accessibility regulations and enforcing compliance, with varying timelines for different entity sizes.
The bill creates a grant program providing up to $10,000 to small entities to help them audit, test, and remediate inaccessible web content or applications.
It directs the National Council on Disability to study the impact of emerging technologies on individuals with disabilities and report their findings to Congress.

119th Congressin committeeS. 3974(In Committee)Official page

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