SB 698
Relating to open captioning for motion pictures
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would require movie theaters in West Virginia that operate six or more locations across multiple locations to offer open captions during at least two screenings per week of films that are available with open captions. Additionally, the bill mandates that theaters provide audio description upon request for films that already have audio description. The bill includes a provision to prevent exhibitors from being forced to purchase new equipment to comply with these requirements if it would create an undue burden.
Key provisions
- Movie theaters with six or more locations must provide open captions.
- At least two screenings per week of captioned films are required.
- Theaters must provide audio description upon request.
- Exhibitors are not required to purchase new equipment to comply.
- The requirements do not apply to drive-in movie theaters.
Who is affected
- Movie theaters
- Movie theater owners
- Consumers with hearing impairments
- Motion picture distributors
Notable changes
- Establishes a minimum number of screenings for open captioning (two per week).
- Requires audio description to be provided upon request.
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