The bipartisan, bicameral 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA) introduced by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) became federal law on Dec. 20, 2018, with President Donald Trump’s signature.
H.R. 5759/S.3050 will improve digital services at executive agencies across the federal government, according to the text of the bill in the congressional record.
“This bill will modernize the way the federal government delivers services online, increase efficiency and reduce costs for taxpayers,” said Sen. Portman, who sponsored S. 3050 with U.S. Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO). “I will continue to work with my colleagues to make the federal government more efficient and effective on behalf of the American people.”
For example, an executive agency that creates or redesigns a website or digital service that’s intended for public use must ensure that any new or redesigned website, web-based form, web-based application, or digital service is accessible to individuals with disabilities; is fully functional and usable on common mobile devices; and is provided through an industry standard secure connection, among other requirements and standards listed in the bill.
H.R. 5759 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by original cosponsor Rep. Ratcliffe and bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA). The measure received unanimous House approval in November 2018. The Senate passed the bill on Dec. 11, 2018.
“President Trump’s signing of the 21st Century IDEA will initiate much-needed improvements to the digital services offered by our federal government,” Rep. Ratcliffe said, adding that he was “grateful for the hard work of Rep. Khanna and Sen. Portman to ensure this important legislation was signed into law.”
Rep. Ratcliffe also said he looks forward “to seeing the positive impact of our enhanced ability to ensure folks get the timely, cost-effective assistance they deserve thanks to the reforms included in this law.”