1

Hearings & Rulemaking

In Progress Rulemaking and Hearings

Technology Accessibility Rules, 8 CCR 1501-11

OIT invites your input on potential clarifying amendments to the Rules Establishing Technology Accessibility Standards.

Review the public rulemaking hearing held May 1, 2025 to consider the proposed rules:

Please share your written comments until the morning of May 5 through the online form or send an email to oit_rules@state.co.us

The proposed rules emphasize progress over strict technical conformance for technology accessibility and more clearly align with federal laws. Key changes include:

  • Adding and clarifying definitions for key terms.
  • Clarifying which technical standards apply to different technology types (digital content, installed software, closed systems), with WCAG for digital content and Section 508 standards for others.
  • Providing five options for compliance, including WCAG compliance, using alternate versions, providing reasonable accommodations or modifications, progressing on accessibility plans, and choosing technology that best meets accessibility standards and business needs.
  • Requiring public entities to tell users how to report accessibility issues in their Technology Accessibility Statements.
  • Defining limited exceptions from technical standards, mirroring existing federal exceptions, to include: content posted by a third party, individualized password-protected documents, pre-existing social media posts, pre-existing documents, technology that provides substantially equivalent access and ease of use, and certain exceptions for self-contained closed products.
  • Providing guidance on conforming alternate versions for different technology types.
  • Aligning "undue burden" and "undue hardship" with federal and state definitions and expectations.

Rulemaking Schedule

You can sign up on the Accessibility Rulemaking Notification Sign-up form if you want to receive direct email notifications.

Completed Rulemaking and Hearings

Final Adopted IT Lifecycle Planning Rules, 8 CCR 1501-12

Repeal of 8 CCR 1501-8, Public Safety Trust Fund

Public Rulemaking Hearing Record and Other Exhibits for 8 CCR 1501-8 (Google Drive)

Final Adopted Technology Accessibility Rules, 8 CCR 1501-11

Read the Official Adopted Technology Accessibility Rules (Google Doc)

Read the Plain Language Guide to the State Technology Accessibility Rules (web page)

In the fall and winter of 2023-24, OIT created rules regarding accessibility standards for IT systems. These rules establish the accessibility standards for public entities in Colorado, which includes state and local governments, special districts, and any other instrumentality of a state or local government.

Technology Accessibility Rulemaking Schedule

For future rulemaking efforts, we will send an email to everyone who has signed up on the Accessibility Rulemaking Notification Sign-up form. 

General OIT Rules Information

Review the general information about OIT Rules

Sign up to receive notifications about OIT rulemaking