Bill · S. 3974· Senate(119-S-3974)
Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/3/2026
- Last activity
- 3/3/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Tammy Duckworth
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2026 aims to establish uniform accessibility standards for web content and applications. It requires employers, public entities, public accommodations, and testing entities to ensure their digital platforms are usable by individuals with disabilities. The Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are tasked with setting and enforcing these new standards. The bill also addresses the responsibilities of commercial providers in creating accessible digital tools. To assist with this transition, the Act provides for a technical assistance center and grants for small entities. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure equal participation in society through accessible digital communication.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+10
The bill establishes uniform accessibility standards to ensure equal participation for people with disabilities in the digital sphere.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+10
The bill is specifically designed to increase digital access and equity for this group.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+5
The bill provides grants of up to $10,000 to help small entities remediate digital inaccessibility.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
Compliance requirements and potential legal liabilities may impose new costs on businesses.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Digital Access: The bill requires that web content and applications be "accessible," meaning they are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust so individuals with disabilities can enjoy the same services and independence as others (Section 3, Definition 1).
-
Protection Against Discrimination: It prohibits employment entities, public entities, and public accommodations from discriminating against individuals with disabilities regarding web content or applications used for their services or employment (Section 4, subsection a).
-
Equitable Communication: The Act ensures that communications through web content and applications are as effective for people with disabilities as they are for people without disabilities (Section 4, subsection b, paragraph 2).
-
Support for Small Businesses: Small entities can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help audit, test, or fix inaccessible web content and applications (Section 11, subsection b, paragraph 1).
-
Expert Guidance: An advisory committee will be established, which must include a majority of members who are individuals with disabilities, such as those who are blind, deaf, or have physical disabilities (Section 8, subsection a, paragraph 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Undue Burden or Alteration of Services: Entities are protected from being forced to comply if doing so would impose an "undue burden" or "fundamentally alter" the nature of the services or employment provided (Section 4, subsection d).
-
Compliance Timelines: While there are different timelines, some entities may face strict deadlines; for example, non-small entities must comply within 30 days after a final rule is issued (Section 5, subsection a, paragraph 2, subclause B).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+10
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+10Good For Business Owners-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+5Improves Consumer Protection+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Big Tech Regulation+4Improves Internet Access+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5
- 3/3/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts