Committee advances bill to create Office of Accessibility to coordinate ADA compliance
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Summary
The committee gave a due pass to a bill creating a centralized Office of Accessibility to provide technical assistance, annual reporting, and support for state agencies to meet ADA obligations; advocates urged the change while some critics said enforcement authority is needed to ensure results.
A House committee gave a due pass to legislation to create a state Office of Accessibility aimed at centralizing ADA coordination, offering technical assistance to agencies and maintaining reporting that would help decision makers prioritize investments to make state buildings and digital services accessible.
The sponsor said the office would provide training and a central place for ADA coordinators to submit data and requests; Eli Fresquez, executive director for accessibility New Mexico, described the office as an opportunity for the state to improve physical and web accessibility and "make its state services accessible for everyone."
Disability advocates testified in support: Katie Ellis (disability justice activist), Jen Jackson (Disability Rights New Mexico) and Ellen Pines (Disability Coalition) said a central office could reduce inconsistent agency interpretations of ADA obligations and provide necessary technical assistance. They noted state agencies already have legal obligations but inconsistent implementation.
Opponents and witnesses on the webcast, including Karen Kushner (certified ADA coordinator), argued an office without enforcement power risks gathering data without achieving compliance and could leave affected people without remedies unless enforcement tools are added.
Committee members moved and seconded a due pass and the chair announced the bill would be reported with a due pass. Proponents said follow‑up work would include defining the office's technical assistance role and clarifying any enforcement or reporting responsibilities.