Web Accessibility Laws in Colorado

In 2021, Colorado enacted HB21-1110, one of the most explicit state-level web accessibility laws in the United States. The law requires state and local government agencies to ensure their websites and digital content conform to the most current version of WCAG published by W3C. This goes beyond the federal ADA by specifying WCAG by name and requiring compliance with the latest version rather than a fixed standard.

Key provisions of HB21-1110 include:

• Specific WCAG reference: Government websites must meet the most current published WCAG standard — currently WCAG 2.2
• Accessibility statements: Government entities must publish accessibility statements on their websites
• Complaint process: The law establishes a formal process for disability-related accessibility complaints
• Training requirements: Government web content creators must receive accessibility training

While HB21-1110 applies specifically to government entities, it signals Colorado's strong stance on digital accessibility and influences private sector expectations.

The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA, C.R.S. Section 24-34-601) prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation on the basis of disability. The Colorado Civil Rights Division within the Department of Regulatory Agencies enforces CADA and accepts complaints regarding inaccessible digital services.

Colorado's broader legislative environment has been progressive on technology and privacy regulation — the state enacted the Colorado Privacy Act (CPA) in 2021, one of the first comprehensive state privacy laws. Similar to the CCPA-accessibility intersection in California, Colorado's privacy controls must be accessible to users with disabilities:

• Universal opt-out mechanisms required by the CPA must be perceivable and operable by all users
• Privacy preference interfaces must meet WCAG standards for form labeling and keyboard access
• Data subject request processes must be accessible through assistive technology

Colorado's Denver-Boulder tech corridor has grown rapidly, creating a concentration of digital businesses with web accessibility obligations. The state's outdoor recreation and tourism industries also maintain significant online presences.

• Tech and SaaS: Colorado-based software companies must consider accessibility in both their marketing sites and product interfaces
• Cannabis industry: Colorado's legal cannabis businesses operate extensive e-commerce platforms that must be accessible — online ordering, age verification, and product browsing all need WCAG compliance
• Tourism and outdoor recreation: Ski resorts, national park gateway businesses, and outdoor retailers depend on online booking and information, creating accessibility exposure similar to Florida's tourism sector
• Healthcare: Colorado health systems including UCHealth and SCL Health operate patient portals subject to accessibility requirements

Over 90 federal web accessibility cases were filed in Colorado districts in 2024, with growth expected as plaintiff firms expand westward.

Begin with a free CompliScan scan to identify WCAG 2.1 AA violations. Automated tools catch 30-40% of accessibility issues — the same violations that HB21-1110 and federal ADA require you to address.

Colorado-specific compliance steps:

• Government entities: HB21-1110 requires the latest WCAG version — target WCAG 2.2 compliance. Publish an accessibility statement and establish a complaint process
• Privacy controls: Ensure CPA-required opt-out mechanisms and privacy preference centers are accessible
• Tourism businesses: Audit booking flows, reservation systems, and interactive maps for keyboard and screen reader access
• Ongoing monitoring: CompliScan Shield ($49/mo) provides weekly scans to maintain compliance as content changes

Colorado government entities subject to HB21-1110 should use Shield Pro ($149/mo) for daily scans and PDF compliance reports. The Agency plan ($299/mo) covers up to 50 sites for web agencies managing multiple Colorado government or business clients. The ADA Title II deadline of April 24, 2026 adds federal urgency to state requirements.