Advancing Digital Accessibility in Texas: What Your Government Entity Needs to Know

Deadlines loom for Texas government entities to make their digital services accessible to people with disabilities, or face federal enforcement and potential lawsuits. With the first compliance date just two months away on April 24, 2026, larger jurisdictions are scrambling to meet new standards that could affect millions of residents.

The catalyst is a 2024 rule from the U.S. Department of Justice under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Finalized in April 2024 and effective June 2024, it requires state and local governments to ensure web content and mobile apps conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. This marks the first time specific technical standards have been mandated federally for public sector digital accessibility.

For Texas, this federal push aligns with state-level action. House Bill 5195, passed in 2025 and effective September 1, 2025, mandates state agencies to assess and modernize their websites and digital portals for better accessibility, efficiency, and user experience. Agencies must submit initial evaluations by November 15, 2026, with biennial reviews thereafter. The state's 2026-2030 Strategic Plan for Information Resources Management further emphasizes accessible digital services as a priority.

Around 3.7 million Texans live with disabilities, representing about 12% of the population. Inaccessible websites and apps bar them from essential services like renewing licenses, paying taxes, or accessing public records independently. This exclusion not only violates civil rights but also burdens governments with complaints and legal risks. Recent cases, such as a February 2026 lawsuit against Harris County over inaccessible mail ballots for print-disabled voters, highlight growing litigation.

Non-compliance could trigger DOJ investigations, civil penalties, or private suits. Larger Texas entities—those serving 50,000 or more people—must comply by April 24, 2026, while smaller ones and special districts have until April 26, 2027. The stakes are high: failure risks isolating vulnerable residents and incurring remediation costs estimated at tens of thousands per site.