Attention Public Accommodations: DOJ’s Recent Rulemaking Action for State and Local Government Websites Reveals its Current Thinking on Web Accessibility

Seyfarth Synopsis:  If you would rather not read the 30-page small print Federal Register notice, this summary will provide you with what you need to know about the Justice Department’s most recent official pronouncement on web accessibility.

 

As we reported, last week DOJ issued a lengthy Supplemental ANPRM (SANPRM) for state and local government websites, which some commentators have decried as a “do-over.”  This unusual move was a surprise, to be sure, but we do not view it as a complete setback.  The SANPRM appears to be DOJ’s attempt to preview its position on key issues and obtain public comment.  As such, the SANPRM has very serious implications that go far beyond the realm of state and local governments.  The rules that DOJ ultimately issues in the state and local government website rulemaking will likely provide the framework for the proposed rule for public accommodations websites — currently slated for 2018.   Accordingly, public accommodations and the organizations that represent them need to submit comments in response to the SANPRM before the comment period closes on August 8, 2016.

 

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