Bill > HB1998

This bill amends Hawaii's civil rights law to make it an unlawful discriminatory practice for any place of public accommodation, such as businesses open to the public, to deny individuals with disabilities full and equal access to their services, facilities, or information by requiring the use of technology that is not accessible. The bill defines "accessible" as the ability to use and manipulate information and communication technology (ICT) in a way equivalent to someone without a disability, and defines ICT broadly to include websites, software applications, and various electronic devices. It also clarifies that a website meeting the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines is considered accessible. The bill establishes that starting July 1, 2026, public accommodations must ensure their ICT is accessible and that communications through ICT are as effective for people with disabilities as for those without. Importantly, it includes exceptions, stating that a business will not be in violation if compliance would cause an "undue burden" (a significant difficulty or expense) or fundamentally alter the nature of the technology used.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1998&year=2026