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Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-3974| Senate 
| Updated: 3/3/2026
Tammy Duckworth

Tammy Duckworth

Democratic Senator

Illinois

Cosponsors (2)
Edward J. Markey (Democratic)Elizabeth Warren (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill aims to ensure that web content and software applications are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, affirming that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) extends to digital platforms. It addresses the systemic problem of inaccessible digital spaces by requiring various entities to make their online services and information usable by all. The legislation defines "accessible" as content that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, allowing individuals with disabilities to engage with digital services with the same ease and independence as others. The bill applies to a broad range of "covered entities," including employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, public entities (like government agencies), public accommodations (such as businesses and non-profits), and testing entities. It also extends requirements to "commercial providers" who design or develop web content and applications for these covered entities. These entities are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities through inaccessible web content or applications. To implement these standards, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is tasked with issuing regulations for public entities, public accommodations, and testing entities, while the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will do the same for employment entities. Both agencies must propose rules within 12 months and finalize them within 24 months of the bill's enactment, taking into account the capabilities of small entities. The final rules will become effective for small entities later than for larger ones. The legislation includes provisions for enforcement, allowing both the DOJ and EEOC to investigate complaints and bring civil actions, and granting individuals the right to sue directly. Remedies can include civil penalties, injunctive relief to ensure compliance, and damages. To support compliance, the bill establishes a technical assistance center to provide resources and training, and authorizes grants of up to $10,000 for small entities to remediate or replace inaccessible web content and applications. Furthermore, the bill mandates periodic reviews of complaints and enforcement actions by federal agencies, with reports submitted to Congress, and requires the DOJ and EEOC to update accessibility regulations every three years. An advisory committee, predominantly composed of individuals with disabilities, will provide ongoing guidance. The National Council on Disability will also conduct a study on the impact of emerging technologies on individuals with disabilities and the effectiveness of the Act.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4998
Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2984
Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2023
May 14, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-3417
Introduced in House
Mar 3, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 3, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4998
    Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2984
    Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2023


  • May 14, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-3417
    Introduced in House


  • March 3, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 3, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Related Bills

  • HR 119-3417: Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025

Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-3974| Senate 
| Updated: 3/3/2026
This bill aims to ensure that web content and software applications are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, affirming that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) extends to digital platforms. It addresses the systemic problem of inaccessible digital spaces by requiring various entities to make their online services and information usable by all. The legislation defines "accessible" as content that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, allowing individuals with disabilities to engage with digital services with the same ease and independence as others. The bill applies to a broad range of "covered entities," including employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, public entities (like government agencies), public accommodations (such as businesses and non-profits), and testing entities. It also extends requirements to "commercial providers" who design or develop web content and applications for these covered entities. These entities are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities through inaccessible web content or applications. To implement these standards, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is tasked with issuing regulations for public entities, public accommodations, and testing entities, while the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will do the same for employment entities. Both agencies must propose rules within 12 months and finalize them within 24 months of the bill's enactment, taking into account the capabilities of small entities. The final rules will become effective for small entities later than for larger ones. The legislation includes provisions for enforcement, allowing both the DOJ and EEOC to investigate complaints and bring civil actions, and granting individuals the right to sue directly. Remedies can include civil penalties, injunctive relief to ensure compliance, and damages. To support compliance, the bill establishes a technical assistance center to provide resources and training, and authorizes grants of up to $10,000 for small entities to remediate or replace inaccessible web content and applications. Furthermore, the bill mandates periodic reviews of complaints and enforcement actions by federal agencies, with reports submitted to Congress, and requires the DOJ and EEOC to update accessibility regulations every three years. An advisory committee, predominantly composed of individuals with disabilities, will provide ongoing guidance. The National Council on Disability will also conduct a study on the impact of emerging technologies on individuals with disabilities and the effectiveness of the Act.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4998
Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2984
Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2023
May 14, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-3417
Introduced in House
Mar 3, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 3, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4998
    Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2984
    Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2023


  • May 14, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-3417
    Introduced in House


  • March 3, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 3, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Tammy Duckworth

Tammy Duckworth

Democratic Senator

Illinois

Cosponsors (2)
Edward J. Markey (Democratic)Elizabeth Warren (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Related Bills

  • HR 119-3417: Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted