Description:
S. 1769 would require all federal agencies that create or update a website intended for use by the public to ensure that the website is mobile friendly. A mobile friendly website is defined as one that is configured in such a way that it may be easily navigated and viewed on a smartphone, tablet computer, or similar mobile device. In addition, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the General Services Administration (GSA), would report on the implementation of these requirements within 18 months.
Under current executive branch guidance (see OMB Memorandum M-17-06, which was issued on November 8, 2016) all new or redesigned federal websites must allow for access by mobile devices. In addition, GSA’s Digital Government Division works with agencies to help them provide electronic information and services to the public in any digital form. Because of those ongoing efforts, CBO estimates that implementing S. 1769 would have no significant cost.
Enacting S. 1769 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
CBO estimates that enacting S. 1769 would not increase direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028.
S. 1769 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
On September 22, 2017, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for H.R. 2331, the Connected Government Act, as ordered reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on September 13, 2017. The two pieces of legislation are similar, and CBO’s estimates of the budgetary effects are the same.
