One-Year Extension Granted for State and Local Government ADA Digital Accessibility Compliance

The United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued a final rule in April 2024, titled “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities,” (the “Rule”) which adds specific regulations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The Rule requires that state and local governments ensure their websites, applications, and mobile services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Rule originally established compliance deadlines beginning in April 2026. However, just one week before the April 2026 deadline, the DOJ issued an interim final rule extending compliance deadlines. Under the revised timeline, jurisdictions with populations over 50,000, will have until April 26, 2027, to comply and jurisdictions with populations under 50,000, and any special district government, will have until April 26, 2028.

The DOJ extended the compliance deadline based on new information indicating that there were “challenges related to the compliance dates,” including staffing limitations, technical complexity, and higher-than-expected implementation costs. Although some disability advocacy groups opposed delaying the rule, the DOJ concluded that the original deadlines were not feasible and that an extension would reduce litigation risk and allow for more effective implementation.

Attorneys at West Group Law (“WGL”) have represented municipalities and public entities across the country for more than 30 years in connection with water and wastewater matters, litigation, environmental and regulatory matters, solid waste issues, transportation, general municipal law, civic projects, structuring requests for proposals, contract negotiations, alternative project delivery methods, land use development, construction law, animal management services, and more. WGL attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and can assist municipalities and public entities in a variety of matters.

For more information, please contact Managing Partner Teno West at:

 twest@westgrouplaw.com or at 917-922-6226.