An Act amending Title 71 (State Government) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in boards and offices, providing for Office of Information Technology.
Summary
HB485 would create a new Chapter 43 in Title 71 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes establishing an Office of Information Technology framework focused on accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The bill directs the chief information officer of the Office of Information Technology to maintain statewide accessibility standards for public entities’ information technology systems, including requirements that digital content be compatible with assistive technology, support both visual and nonvisual access, and align with ADA standards and web content accessibility guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium or a successor body.
The bill also requires each public entity to prepare a written implementation plan, including any budget requests, and submit that plan to the office by July 1, 2026, with full implementation due by July 1, 2028. In addition, the office must set minimum procurement standards for adaptive technologies used in purchases of supplies, services, or construction related to nonvisual or other disability access, with compliance required when existing equipment or software is upgraded or replaced. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.
Impact
HB485 would expand state law by adding a new accessibility-focused chapter governing information technology used by Commonwealth and municipal public entities, while excluding the courts, the General Assembly, state-related institutions, and the State System of Higher Education. It would impose planning, standards, and procurement obligations on public entities and give the Office of Information Technology a central role in setting and monitoring accessibility requirements for digital systems, online content, and adaptive technologies.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a policy and compliance bill rather than a controversial partisan proposal. Its sponsors and structure suggest support for improving digital access and government service usability for people with disabilities, with an emphasis on statewide consistency and implementation timelines. No recorded vote history or transcript indicates formal opposition or support beyond the bill’s introduction.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to be administrative burden, implementation cost, and the scope of authority given to the Office of Information Technology over public entities’ digital systems and procurement decisions. Public entities may be concerned about the deadlines for submitting and fully implementing accessibility plans, as well as the need to retrofit or replace existing technology. Another possible issue is the bill’s broad applicability to municipalities while excluding certain state institutions, which could raise questions about uneven coverage or compliance obligations.
In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.
In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.