Bipartisan Hassan-Gardner Connected Government Act Signed into Law

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the bipartisan Connected Government Act, which was introduced by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), was signed into law by President Trump. The Connected Government Act will expand access to government services and information by requiring that all new federal websites are mobile-friendly.

The bipartisan measure supports Granite Staters and Americans who experience disabilities given that 80 percent of Americans who experience disabilities use wireless technology every day. The measure also supports low-income Americans who rely on mobile broadband at higher rates.

“I am pleased that the bipartisan Connected Government Act has been signed into law so that Granite Staters and Americans who rely on mobile devices to use the web – including low-income Americans and those who experience disabilities – can now better access government services, resources, and information,” Senator Hassan said. “I will continue working to bring the federal government up to speed with the latest technology so that our people, our businesses, and our economy can thrive.”

I am thrilled the President has signed this common-sense bipartisan legislation into law,” said Senator Gardner. “As more and more Americans rely on their mobile devices to access information and websites, it’s important the federal government has websites designed for mobile platforms. The Connected Government Act will promote transparency and bring the government into the 21st century.”

The Connected Government Act requires that all new government websites intended to be used by the public are mobile-friendly. The bill also requires the General Services Administration to submit a report to Congress on agency compliance with this law within 18 months of enactment. Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ) introduced the companion to this bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on November 15, 2017 and it passed the Senate on December 21, 2017.

See bill text here.

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