Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3417
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-14: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T17:50:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 aims to ensure that websites and mobile applications (apps) used by various organizations are fully accessible to people with disabilities. It builds on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 by clarifying that digital tools must provide equal access to employment opportunities, public services, goods, and testing, regardless of whether the organization has a physical location. The Act addresses the growth of online activities, especially post-pandemic, and seeks to prevent exclusion of people with disabilities from society while adapting to new technologies.
Key Provisions
- Definitions (Section 3): Establishes clear terms, such as "accessible" (meaning digital content that people with disabilities can perceive, operate, understand, and use independently with the same ease as others); "covered entity" (includes employers, public agencies, public places like stores or hotels, and testing organizations); and "covered use" (digital tools used for job applications, public services, or customer interactions).
- Non-Discrimination Rules (Section 4): Prohibits covered entities from discriminating against people with disabilities through inaccessible websites or apps. Entities must ensure content is accessible and communications are effective (e.g., using screen readers or captions). Commercial providers (e.g., software developers) cannot create or supply inaccessible digital tools for these uses. Defenses include if compliance causes an "undue burden" (significant difficulty or expense) or fundamentally changes the service offered.
- Rulemaking Process (Section 5):
- The Department of Justice (DOJ) must propose and finalize rules within 12 and 24 months, respectively, for public entities, public accommodations, and testing entities, including standards for accessibility.
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) does the same for employment-related entities.
- Rules consider small businesses' capabilities, with longer compliance timelines (3 years for small entities under DOJ rules; 2 years under EEOC rules). Enforcement actions and settlements must be publicly posted.
- Periodic Reviews and Updates (Section 6): Federal agencies report on complaints and enforcement every 2-3 years; DOJ and EEOC review progress and update standards every 3 years.
- Enforcement and Remedies (Section 7):
- DOJ and EEOC can investigate complaints, conduct reviews, and file civil lawsuits.
- Individuals or groups can sue directly in state or federal court without prior administrative steps.
- Relief includes court orders to fix issues, civil penalties, damages (economic and emotional), and attorney fees for winners.
- Advisory Committee and Collaboration (Section 8): Creates a standing committee (majority with disabilities) to advise DOJ and EEOC on accessibility innovations; requires consultation with disability experts and agencies.
- Technical Assistance and Grants (Sections 9 and 11): Funds a national center for training on accessible design; provides up to $10,000 grants over 5 years to small entities for auditing, fixing, or replacing inaccessible digital tools.
- Study on Emerging Technologies (Section 10): The National Council on Disability studies tech impacts on people with disabilities (e.g., AI, wearables) and reports to Congress in 5 years.
- Funding and Timeline (Sections 13 and 14): Authorizes $35.15 million annually from 2026-2035; Act takes effect 6 months after enactment, with core access rules applying after 12 months.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Explicitly applies the ADA's anti-discrimination rules to all websites and apps, overriding court decisions that limited coverage to physical locations or required a direct link to a brick-and-mortar site.
- Introduces uniform federal standards for digital accessibility, filling gaps in prior DOJ and EEOC guidance that addressed some tech but not comprehensively.
- Adds liability for commercial providers (e.g., app developers) who supply inaccessible tools, which was not clearly defined before.
- Provides new support like grants and technical aid for small businesses, and streamlines enforcement with direct private lawsuits (no need to notify entities first or exhaust other remedies).
- Ensures regulations align with but do not weaken existing laws like Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (federal tech accessibility).
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: People with disabilities (e.g., those who are blind, deaf, or have mobility issues) gain better, equal access to online job applications, government services, shopping, education testing, and communications, reducing exclusion and promoting independence.
- On Government Agencies: DOJ and EEOC face new rulemaking, enforcement, and reporting duties, increasing workload but supported by funding; public entities (e.g., schools, transit) must update digital services, potentially improving public trust and efficiency.
- On Businesses and Providers: Employers, stores, and app developers must invest in accessible design (e.g., alt text for images, keyboard navigation), with costs offset for small entities via grants; larger firms may see more lawsuits but clearer compliance rules. The digital economy (10% of U.S. GDP) could become more inclusive.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though alignment with global standards (e.g., from the World Wide Web Consortium) may encourage U.S. tech exports and influence international accessibility norms.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals with Disabilities: Primary beneficiaries, including those who are blind/low-vision, deaf/hard-of-hearing, with speech or physical limitations, or facing multiple barriers (e.g., low-income or non-English speakers).
- Covered Entities: Employers and job agencies; public agencies (e.g., cities, schools); public accommodations (e.g., hotels, restaurants, banks); testing organizations (e.g., for licenses or certifications).
- Commercial Providers: Software and app developers, web designers, and tech firms supplying digital tools.
- Small Entities: Businesses with limited resources, who get extended timelines and grants to comply.
- Government Bodies: DOJ (enforcement for public/non-employment), EEOC (employment focus), National Council on Disability, U.S. Access Board, and Congress (receives reports).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens ADA enforcement by clarifying digital coverage and enabling faster lawsuits, potentially increasing litigation but providing predictability; maintains consistency with other disability laws (e.g., no weaker standards) and preserves state remedies that offer equal or better protection.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the ADA's mandate for equal protection under the 14th Amendment by addressing tech-driven discrimination; no apparent conflicts with free speech or due process, as it focuses on access rather than content control.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Reps. Sessions and Hoyer) signals broad support for updating civil rights laws to match technology; emphasizes remediation over punishment (e.g., grants for small businesses), but could spark debate on compliance costs versus inclusion benefits; periodic reviews ensure adaptability without frequent congressional action.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Hoyer, Steny H. [D-MD-5], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-14: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-05-14: Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-05-14: Introduced in House
- 2025-05-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025 — issued 2025-05-14 — PDF (49 pages)