The U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy Roundtable will meet virtually to discuss the Justice Department’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Proposed Rule for State and Local Governments on September 14, 2023. The Department of Justice is establishing technical standards for state and local governmental entities to make their websites and mobile applications accessible for people with disabilities under Title II of the ADA. However, these rules may impact future rulemakings affecting Title III of the ADA, which affects places of public accommodation.

Tentative Agenda

1:00–1:20 p.m.

Introductory Remarks from Janis Reyes, assistant chief counsel, SBA Office of Advocacy. DOJ officials will provide a briefing and overview of this proposed rule, then will open the floor to comments. Comments expressed during this roundtable do not take the place of written comments submitted to the regulatory docket. Comments on this proposal are due to DOJ by October 3, 2023.

1:20 PM–3:00 p.m.

Input from interested small entities. The Regulatory Flexibility Act covers small governmental jurisdictions with a population of less than 50,000, including cities, counties, towns, townships, villages, school districts, special districts, and public community colleges. Advocacy seeks feedback on the current ADA accessibility of small entities’ websites and mobile apps, and the economic impact of this rule on small entities. Feedback on regulatory alternatives that may minimize the costs of this rule are appreciated

RSVP to Janis Reyes at Janis.Reyes@sba.gov to receive a meeting link. A final agenda will be circulated prior to the meeting.