The deadline, explained in plain language
Facts checked November 2, 2026. Rules and court cases can change, so please check ADA.gov before relying on a date.
What the rule requires
In April 2024 the U.S. Department of Justice added a new part to its ADA Title II regulations (28 CFR part 35, subpart H). State and local governments must make their web content and mobile apps meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA. That includes content provided through contracts, licenses or other arrangements, such as agenda, payment and permit systems run by vendors.
Current compliance dates
| Who | Current date | Original date |
|---|---|---|
| Total population of 50,000 or more | April 26, 2027 | April 24, 2026 |
| Total population under 50,000 | April 26, 2028 | April 26, 2027 |
| Special district governments, any size | April 26, 2028 | April 26, 2027 |
What changed in 2026
On April 20, 2026, the Department of Justice published an interim final rule that moved each compliance date back by one year (91 FR 20902). It took effect the same day, and public comments were accepted until June 22, 2026. The technical standard did not change.
The Department also said it may propose changes to the substance of the 2024 rule during the extension period, and that if it does not, it fully expects to enforce the rule at the new dates. As of November 2, 2026, we found no such proposal published in the Federal Register.
The court challenge
On May 21, 2026, the National Federation of the Blind sued the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services in federal court in Maryland, asking the court to set aside (vacate) the extensions (No. 1:26-cv-02007, D. Md.). As of November 2, 2026, the case was still open and the court had not ruled. If the court were to set the extensions aside, the original dates could come back into play, and the earlier one has already passed, so steady progress now is the safest plan.
What has not changed
Your existing ADA Title II duties, including effective communication with people with disabilities, apply today. If someone asks for information in an accessible format, it is wise to respond promptly now, whatever the compliance date.
Official sources
- Federal Register: interim final rule extending the compliance dates (April 20, 2026)
- ADA.gov: fact sheet on the web and mobile app rule
- ADA.gov: small entity compliance guide
- eCFR: current rule text, 28 CFR 35.200 to 35.205
- Court docket: National Federation of the Blind v. Department of Justice
Plain and honest: Civic Steady offers a readiness and organizing kit. It is not legal advice and it does not guarantee compliance. We always recommend talking with your attorney about your entity's obligations.