summary
Introduced
01/21/2025
01/21/2025
In Committee
03/19/2025
03/19/2025
Crossed Over
03/18/2025
03/18/2025
Passed
03/20/2025
03/20/2025
Dead
Vetoed
03/20/2025
03/20/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT RELATING TO DISABILITIES; ENACTING THE ACCESSIBILITY ACT TO REQUIRE EACH STATE AGENCY'S WEBSITE, MOBILE APPLICATION AND PHYSICAL FACILITIES TO COMPLY WITH DIGITAL AND PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS; REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO ADOPT DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS; CREATING THE OFFICE OF ACCESSIBILITY TO IMPLEMENT AND ADMINISTER THE ACCESSIBILITY ACT; CREATING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE OFFICE OF ACCESSIBILITY.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Accessibility Act, which aims to improve digital and physical accessibility for people with disabilities across New Mexico state agencies. The legislation requires all state agency websites and mobile applications to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards by April 1, 2026, and mandates that agencies post an accessibility statement on their websites explaining their commitment to accessibility, providing contact information for reporting issues, and detailing known limitations. The bill creates an Office of Accessibility within the Governor's Commission on Disability, led by a chief accessibility officer who will help state agencies meet digital and physical accessibility standards, provide training, and develop compliance strategies. State agencies must ensure their services and facilities are accessible to people with disabilities, though they may be exempt if compliance would cause fundamental alterations or undue financial burdens. Starting in 2027, the Office of Accessibility must submit biennial reports to the governor and legislative committees documenting agencies' compliance, identifying accessibility barriers, and recommending improvements. Each state agency will be required to conduct and submit its own accessibility analysis to support these reports, with the goal of creating a more inclusive government infrastructure for individuals with disabilities.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Vetoed by Governor (on 03/20/2025)
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