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) 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) 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.)