Comptroller's office reminds local governments of new online ADA requirements

The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office is reminding local governments about new federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for websites and social media. 

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the ADA. These updated ADA requirements are in addition to any existing applicable requirements related to accessibility or otherwise. 

The updated rule requires public entities to ensure their web content and mobile applications are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities and that their web content and mobile applications comply with Level A and Level AA success criteria and conformance requirements specified in the Web Content 

Accessibility Guidelines (“WCAG”) 2.1. Web Content includes, but is not limited to, websites, webpages, online forms, PDFs, and social media posts. The deadlines for compliance with these requirements depend on public entity population size: 

▪ Local governments with a total population of 50,000 or more must comply by April 24, 2026 

▪ Local governments with a total population of fewer than 50,000 or a special district government as defined in the federal rules must comply by April 26, 2027. The DOJ has issued several resources to help guide compliance. 

Tennessee Comptroller Jason Mumpower advised local governments to ensure they are prepared to comply with the new rules.  

“We are sharing this information with local officials to raise awareness of this federal requirement,” Mumpower said. “While we are not able to offer technical guidance or legal advice regarding its implementation, we encourage you to consult the U.S. Department of Justice or your legal counsel.”