ACCESS Act of 2026.
Sponsored By: Representative Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41]
Introduced
Summary
promote compliance through education and pre-litigation fixes. This bill would steer ADA disputes toward timely fixes by requiring specific written notice and cure windows, creating a mediation model for architectural claims, and directing the Justice Department to study web accessibility standards.
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- Owners of stores and websites would get a Justice Department education program and multilingual technical guidance to help fix access problems. They would generally have 60 days after a written notice to propose or make fixes before a civil suit can start.
- People with disabilities would still be able to seek court remedies but must first give specific written notice describing the barrier and wait the cure period.
- The Judicial Conference would develop a model mediation program that pauses discovery during mediation and provides an expedited fact-finding path to resolve claims faster and with less litigation.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Notice-and-cure before ADA suits
If enacted, you would generally have to give a written notice identifying a physical or website/mobile barrier before starting an ADA lawsuit. After the owner or operator receives that notice, they would have 60 days to say in writing what fixes they will make. If the owner says nothing, they would have to remove the barrier. If they describe fixes, they would then have 60 days to finish or make substantial progress, with extra time allowed for things beyond their control. The notice would have to include the address or website info (like a URL or Bundle ID), whether help was asked for, and whether the barrier is permanent or temporary.
Model mediation program for access
If enacted, the Judicial Conference would create a model program to use mediation and other fast methods to resolve claims about building access. The program would be made with property owners and disability-rights groups and would include a pause on discovery while mediation happens. It would also set up a faster way to establish basic facts before litigation. The Federal Judicial Center should seek public comment on proposals when practical.
DOJ outreach and training program
If enacted, the Department of Justice's Disability Rights Section would use existing funds to build an education program on improving access to public places. The program would work with property owners, website and app developers, and disability-rights groups. It could include training for Certified Access Specialists and would aim to make guidance available in languages commonly used by U.S. businesses.
Study on web accessibility options
If enacted, the Attorney General would complete a study within one year on whether WCAG 2.0 rules, accessibility widgets, or giving a telephone number that provides the same services would count as reasonable accommodations under the ADA. The results would inform what technical approaches meet the ADA for web and digital access.
Act effective 30 days after enactment
If enacted, the whole Act and its changes would take effect 30 days after the date it is signed into law. That means the notice-and-cure rules, DOJ education program, ADR model, and the Attorney General study would all begin after that 30-day delay.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41]
CA • R
Cosponsors
Obernolte
CA • R
Sponsored 4/21/2026
Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/21/2026
Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6]
FL • R
Sponsored 4/21/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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