ADA Laws for Banking in New York

State Law Summary

Federal ADA Requirements (Applies to Most Businesses)

Like every state, businesses in New York must comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The two ADA sections relevant to websites are:

• Title II — state and local government services
• Title III — private businesses open to the public

Under Title III, businesses classified as places of public accommodation must provide equal access to their services. Courts increasingly interpret this obligation to include websites and digital services, particularly when a website is tied to a physical business location.

Typical businesses affected include:

• restaurants
• retail stores
• hotels
• banks
• healthcare providers
• professional services.

Because the ADA does not specify a technical web standard, courts and settlements usually rely on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 or 2.1 Level AA as the benchmark for compliance.

Website Compliance Rules

New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)

The most important state law affecting websites is the New York State Human Rights Law.

This law prohibits discrimination based on disability in public accommodations and services, which courts increasingly interpret to include digital services such as websites.

Key differences from the federal ADA:

• Allows monetary damages for discrimination
• Allows emotional distress claims
• Can impose civil penalties up to $100,000 in serious cases.

Because damages are available, plaintiffs often add NYSHRL claims to ADA website lawsuits.

Damages & Penalties

New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL)

Businesses operating in New York City Human Rights Law face even broader liability.

This law:

• Applies to businesses serving NYC residents
• Uses a lower standard for proving discrimination
• Allows compensatory and punitive damages

Civil penalties can reach:

• $125,000 for unintentional violations
• $250,000 for intentional violations.

Even companies located outside New York may face claims if they sell goods or services to New York residents.

New York Civil Rights Law

Some lawsuits also cite the New York Civil Rights Law, which prohibits disability discrimination in public accommodations.

This law can provide:

• statutory damages
• attorney’s fees
• injunctive relief.

It is often used alongside the ADA and NYSHRL in accessibility lawsuits.