ADA Laws for Automotive in Montana

State Law Summary

The requirements for website accessibility in Montana follow a similar pattern to other states, combining specific state laws with federal mandates. The rules differ significantly for public sector entities versus private businesses.

For a quick overview, the table below summarizes the key differences:

Requirements for Public Entities in Montana

Montana has established clear, enforceable standards for public sector digital accessibility through both state law and federal mandate.

• Montana House Bill 239 (Nonvisual Access Technology Procurement): Passed in 2001 and codified as MCA 18-5-601 through 18-5-605, this law requires executive branch state agencies to provide accessible information technology for people who are blind or visually impaired . The law mandates that agencies provide operating systems, software, and interactive equipment that work with nonvisual access tools such as screen readers . The procurement requirements (MCA 18-5-604) specify that technology must be readily adaptable to nonvisual means and compatible with assistive technologies . While this law specifically applies to state agencies, it demonstrates Montana's long-standing commitment to digital accessibility .
• Governor's Statement on Section 508: As far back as 1993, Governor Racicot issued a statement providing assurance that state agencies would comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires electronic and information technology accessibility .
• Alignment with Federal Law: The U.S. Department of Justice issued a Final Rule under ADA Title II in April 2024, mandating that state and local governments conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA . The University of Montana, for example, has been working toward digital accessibility since 2014 and is actively preparing for the 2026 deadline . Custer County also explicitly states its commitment to WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance .
• The Compliance Deadlines: The deadlines vary based on population size :
  • April 24, 2026: State agencies and municipalities serving more than 50,000 people (cities like Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Butte)
  • April 26, 2027: Municipalities serving fewer than 50,000 people and special districts
• Who and What is Covered?: This applies to a wide range of public entities, including :
  • 56 counties
  • 129 cities and towns
  • 400 school districts
  • 650 special districts (water, fire, parks, libraries)

Website Compliance Rules

Implications for Private Businesses in Montana

For private businesses, the legal landscape is different but still carries significant obligations.

• Federal ADA Title III: Private businesses that are considered "places of public accommodation" are covered under Title III of the federal ADA . This includes restaurants, hotels, banks, stores, and their websites . While the Department of Justice has not issued specific technical rules for private businesses, the WCAG guidelines have become the de facto legal standard referenced in lawsuits.
• Montana-Specific Context: Although Montana's House Bill 239 applies specifically to state agencies, it highlights the growing importance of digital accessibility for all organizations. Private businesses that follow these standards demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusion and innovation .

Damages & Penalties

Risks of Non-Compliance and Real-World Examples

Failing to ensure website accessibility can lead to serious consequences in Montana.

• Financial Penalties:
  • Federal fines: Up to $75,000 for a first violation and $150,000 for subsequent violations
  • Lawsuit costs: The average settlement in Montana is around $23,000, with legal fees and remediation costs on top of that
  • Example: In 2023, Peterson v. Yellowstone County resulted in a $29,000 settlement
• Low but Growing Enforcement: Montana has seen only 2 documented ADA website lawsuits to date, but awareness is increasing . Rural locations are not exempt from federal requirements .
• Unique Montana Challenges:
  • Geographic accessibility reality: Montana's remote communities often rely heavily on government websites for services unavailable locally. Digital barriers create disproportionate impact in frontier areas .
  • Resource constraints: Many of Montana's 400 school districts and 650 special districts lack dedicated IT staff but face the same federal compliance requirements as urban areas .
  • Agricultural economy impact: Ranch and farming communities include high rates of occupational disability, making digital access particularly important .
• Reputational Damage: Getting hit with ADA violations can hurt a business's reputation. Bad press can turn customers away, especially in Montana, where people care about ensuring everyone has access .