2026 Regular Session
HB 5491
Relating to open captioning for motion pictures
In Committee
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to make movie theaters in West Virginia more accessible to people with hearing disabilities by requiring theaters with multiple locations to offer open captioning for films that have it. It also mandates that theaters provide audio description upon request for films that offer that feature. The bill includes several exceptions to reduce the burden on smaller theaters.
Key provisions
- Theaters with multiple locations must provide open captioning for at least two showings per week of captioned films.
- Theaters must offer audio description when requested for films that have it.
- Theaters must have at least two audio description devices.
- Drive-in movie theaters are exempt from these requirements.
- Theaters with fewer than six screens are exempt.
- Theaters using older projection systems are exempt.
- Films shown infrequently are exempt.
- Films shown more than 20 days after their premiere are exempt.
Who is affected
- Movie theaters
- People with hearing disabilities
- Moviegoers
Notable changes
- Requires theaters to provide open captioning and audio description.
- Establishes exemptions for certain types of theaters and films.
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours