As digital accessibility continues to gain momentum across the U.S., New Mexico’s proposed House Bill 295 (HB 295), also known as the Accessibility Act, signals a growing expectation: website accessibility is no longer optional.
While the bill is aimed at state agencies, private businesses should pay close attention. It offers a clear preview of where regulations are heading and reinforces the urgency of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
What HB 295 Requires
HB 295 would require New Mexico state agencies to meet defined accessibility standards across both digital and physical environments. The compliance deadline is April 1, 2027.
Key provisions include:
- Adoption of WCAG 2.1 AA Standards: The state’s Department of Information Technology would establish digital accessibility requirements based on WCAG 2.1 Level AA (or future updated standards). This applies to websites, mobile applications, and digital services.
- Accessibility Statements: Agencies must publish accessibility statements on their websites, outlining known accessibility limitations and contact information for reporting issues or requesting accommodations.
- Creation of an Office of Accessibility: a centralized body would oversee compliance, provide technical guidance, and issue biennial reports to state leadership.
Why This Matters for Businesses
Although HB 295 directly targets government agencies, it reflects broader trends that impact private organizations.
Even when not explicitly written into federal law, WCAG 2.1 AA is widely accepted as the benchmark for compliance. HB 295 reinforces this standard at the state level. Several states are increasingly stepping in to define accessibility expectations, so businesses operating across multiple states should expect more localized requirements aligned with federal guidelines.
Beyond legal compliance, accessibility improves usability for all users—enhancing brand reputation, expanding audience reach, and supporting inclusive design.
Key Steps to Align with Accessibility Standards
Businesses don’t need to wait to take action. Here’s how to get ahead:
- Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Evaluate your website, mobile apps, and digital content against WCAG 2.1 AA criteria. Identify gaps and prioritize fixes based on user impact.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular testing, both automated and manual, helps ensure continued compliance as your digital assets evolve.
- Train Your Team: Designers, developers, and content creators should understand accessibility to prevent issues.
Partner with Accessibility Experts
Working with experienced providers can accelerate compliance and reduce risk, especially as standards evolve. At Ecomback, we help businesses create inclusive digital experiences for their customers and mitigate legal risk.
