What does Preamble of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to establish uniform accessibility standards for web content and applications. The standards apply to employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, joint labor-management committees, public entities, public accommodations, testing entities, and commercial providers.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines findings related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its applicability to web content and applications. It states that Congress intended the ADA to keep pace with rapidly changing technology. The Department of Justice has issued regulations addressing the intersection of the ADA and emerging technologies, including requirements for accessible web content and applications. The text notes that a significant portion of ADA-covered entities now operate through web content and applications. It highlights that many web content and applications used by entities covered by the ADA contain barriers for individuals with disabilities. The purpose of the Act is to affirm that web content and applications must be readily accessible to individuals with disabilities, regardless of whether the entity has a physical location. The Act aims to require the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to set and enforce additional standards for web content and applications. It seeks to address the systemic problem of inaccessible web content and applications, ensuring equal participation and access for individuals with disabilities.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026 do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Accessible” means web content or an application that enables individuals with disabilities to access information and engage in interactions effectively. “Accessibility regulations” refer to regulations issued under section 5 of the Act. “Application” is defined as software designed to perform a specific task on a device. A “commercial provider” is an entity whose operations affect commerce and designs or develops applications or web content for covered entities. The “Commission” refers to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “Covered entity” includes employment entities, public entities, public accommodations, and testing entities. “Covered use” pertains to employment-related actions, public services, and accommodations provided to the public. “Disability” is defined according to section 3 of the ADA. “Information and communication technology” encompasses equipment and systems used for data acquisition, storage, and transmission. “Platform software” includes operating systems, web browsers, and components that allow other software to execute. “Software” is defined broadly to include programs, procedures, and rules that direct the use of information and communication technology.

What does ACCESS TO WEB CONTENT AND APPLICATIONS. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026 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 their 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 developing inaccessible web content or applications for 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 services they provide. 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 2026 do?

This section outlines 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, for public entities, public accommodations, and testing entities, and their commercial providers. The Attorney General must consider the capabilities of small entities when developing these regulations. The final rule will have a tiered effective date: 3 years for small entities and 30 days for other entities. The Attorney General must publicly post settlement documents and resolutions related to enforcement actions within 6 months of the final rule's issuance. A similar rulemaking process is established for employment entities, with the Commission responsible for issuing notices and final rules. The Commission's final rule also has a tiered effective date: 2 years for small entities and 30 days for other entities. The Commission must also publicly post enforcement action resolutions on its website.

What does PERIODIC REVIEW. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a periodic review process for the Act. Federal agencies receiving complaints or engaging in enforcement activities 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 taken under the Act to assess whether the Act's purpose is being achieved, initially for the first three years and then every two 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 these 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 issuance of such regulations.

What does ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION, AND PRIVATE RIGHT OF of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines enforcement mechanisms and private rights of action related to web content accessibility. The Attorney General may investigate complaints of violations of section 4 and may bring civil actions or take administrative action. Individuals, classes, or entities can bring civil actions alleging violations of section 4 without exhausting administrative remedies. The Commission has similar authority to investigate complaints and bring civil actions related to employment entities. Qualified individuals and entities can bring civil actions against employment entities for violations of section 4. The Attorney General can 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 can seek civil penalties, injunctive relief, and damages on behalf of affected individuals. Prevailing plaintiffs (other than the United States) are entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

What does RECOMMENDATIONS. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026 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 its members, representing various disability types. Experts on accessible web content, and a representative from the United States Access Board, must also be included. The Committee may also include representatives from state and local government, covered entities, commercial providers, and testing 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 in identifying and understanding the impact of innovations in accessible web content and applications. The Attorney General and the Commission are directed to confer with relevant federal entities, such as the National Council on Disability and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.

What does TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. of Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026 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 various organizations. Grantees 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 reducing the financial costs of accessible technology. Grantees must collaborate with organizations representing individuals with disabilities, service providers, standards organizations, and other entities.

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Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/3/2026 · Introduced: 3/3/2026

Author: Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes uniform accessibility standards for web content and applications, applying to employers, public entities, and commercial providers.
It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities related to inaccessible web content and applications, requiring covered entities to ensure accessibility and communications are effective.
Commercial providers are prohibited from designing or developing inaccessible web content or applications for covered entities.
The Attorney General and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will issue regulations and conduct periodic reviews to ensure the Act's effectiveness, with tiered implementation timelines for small entities.
The bill authorizes grants to assist small entities in remediating inaccessible web content and applications and establishes a technical assistance center to provide resources and training.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 3417(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 13 more.

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