BILL NUMBER: S5481
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to remote programs for
mandatory continuing education
 
PURPOSE:
To ensure that continuing education webinars are constructed in a manner
that meets accessibility standards for the hearing and/or visually
impaired.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill amends the education law by adding a new section
6505e which states that all continuing education courses offered through
remote means with a visual or auditory prompt for participants to
respond to as proof of attendance shall conform to the most recent
guidelines for website content accessibility guidelines (WCAG). A civil
penalty of $1,000 may be imposed for each violation of the section.
Section two of the bill provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased focus on use on
technology. The legislature has an important role in ensuring that tech-
nology helps bridge the divide for people with disabilities. A major
component of this effort is ensuring accessibility in technology that
removes barriers for people with disabilities.
Continuing education webinars should be constructed in a manner that
meets accessibility standards for the hearing and/or visually impaired.
It's critical that the pandemic not hinder accessibility.
This bill will help foster accessibility for those with visual, audito-
ry, physical, or cognitive impairments.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S6650
2021-22: S.6002 (Thomas) / A.7082 (Epstein) - Referred to Higher Educa-
tion.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the state.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law.