State Law Summary
Colorado Has a State Digital Accessibility Law
Colorado passed House Bill 21-1110, which created one of the strongest state laws in the U.S. requiring accessible digital services for government entities.
The law makes it a civil rights violation for a government agency to deny access to services because its digital technology is inaccessible.
Covered digital services include:
- government websites
- mobile apps
- online forms and documents
- software systems used by the public
- digital kiosks and other information systems.
This law applies to:
- state agencies
- cities and counties
- public schools and universities
- special districts (libraries, hospital districts, etc.).
Website Compliance Rules
Required Accessibility Standard (WCAG)
Colorado requires government digital services to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
As of July 1, 2024, state agencies and vendors providing digital technology must comply with all applicable WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA success criteria.
This requirement covers:
- websites and web applications
- software purchased by government agencies
- third-party tools used by government entities.
Damages & Penalties
Enforcement and Penalties
Colorado’s law includes financial penalties, which is unusual for accessibility laws.
If a government entity violates the digital accessibility law, courts may order:
- injunctive relief (a court order to fix the website)
- actual monetary damages
- a $3,500 statutory penalty per violation payable to the affected individual.
This gives the law real enforcement power compared with many other states.
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