- Mandatory assessments begin September 1, 2025 – Every Texas state agency must evaluate their websites and digital services
- Focus on accessibility compliance – Agencies must ensure conformance with existing Subchapter M accessibility standards
- First report due November 15, 2026 – DIR will compile findings for the legislature
- Biennial reviews starting 2027 – Ongoing evaluation of cost-efficiency and effectiveness
- Technical support available – DIR will provide templates, guidelines, and best practices
What This Means for Your Agency
Starting September 2025, under HB 5195, Texas state agencies face new requirements to evaluate and modernize their digital presence. Unlike earlier versions of the legislation that mandated specific improvements, the enacted version focuses on assessment and planning while preserving agency flexibility in implementation.
Assessment Requirements
Your agency needs to examine several critical areas:
User Experience & Navigation – Review how easily constituents can find information, complete tasks, and access services through your digital platforms. Consider search functionality, page load speeds, and service integration.
Digital Accessibility – Verify compliance with existing Subchapter M accessibility standards. This includes ensuring content works with assistive technologies and meets WCAG guidelines.
Mobile Responsiveness – Confirm your sites function properly across all devices – desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones using responsive web design principles.
Form & Application Efficiency – Identify opportunities to simplify user interactions and reduce paperwork by transitioning to electronic alternatives where feasible.
Support Resources
DIR will provide substantial assistance including:
- Web page templates for consistency across state sites
- Design guidelines focused on user-centered approaches
- Technical guidance for modernization planning
- A working group of agency technology officers for collaboration
Timeline & Reporting
The legislation establishes clear milestones without being overly prescriptive:
- September 1, 2025 – Requirements take effect
- November 15, 2026 – DIR submits initial status report to legislature
- December 1, 2027 – First biennial review findings due
- Ongoing – Biennial reviews continue through 2031
Each review must evaluate cost-efficiency, public access improvements, and compliance with statewide guidance.
Planning Considerations
The legislation emphasizes assessment over mandated changes, giving agencies flexibility in prioritizing improvements based on their unique needs and resources. However, the biennial review requirements mean agencies should develop concrete modernization plans even though immediate implementation isn’t required.
Consider establishing internal working groups now to begin preliminary assessments. Document current digital service delivery methods, identify pain points in user journeys, and catalog potential accessibility barriers.
How We Can Help
Our team at Accessible.org specializes in helping state agencies navigate digital accessibility requirements. We provide comprehensive WCAG audits, technical support for remediation, user testing, and an accessibility platform to track progress. This helps to ensure your modernization efforts meet both legal requirements and user needs. Whether you need an initial assessment or ongoing compliance support, we can help streamline your path to digital modernization.
