This law emphasizes the importance of electronic and information technology for employment, especially for people with disabilities. It requires state governmental entities to ensure that any technology they use or purchase is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing.
These entities must follow federal accessibility standards. Additionally, any company providing technology or related services to state entities must agree to address and resolve any complaints about accessibility issues with their products or services.
The Legislature finds and declares that the ability to utilize electronic or information technology is often an essential function for successful employment in the current work world.
(a)CA Government Code § 7405(a) In order to improve accessibility of existing technology, and therefore increase the successful employment of individuals with disabilities, particularly blind and visually impaired and deaf and hard-of-hearing persons, state governmental entities, in developing, procuring, maintaining, or using electronic or information technology, either indirectly or through the use of state funds by other entities, shall comply with the accessibility requirements of Section 508 of the
federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794d), and regulations implementing that act as set forth in Part 1194 of Title 36 of the Federal Code of Regulations.
(b)CA Government Code § 7405(b) Any entity that contracts with a state or local entity subject to Section 11135 for the provision of electronic or information technology or for the provision of related services shall agree to respond to, and resolve any complaint regarding accessibility of, its products or services that is brought to the attention of the entity.
(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 870, Sec. 3. (SB 1442) Effective January 1, 2017.)