SB 493
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 in multiple areas to offer open captions during at least two screenings per week for films that are available with open captions. Additionally, theaters must provide audio description upon request for films that already include audio description. The bill includes a provision to prevent theaters from being forced to purchase new equipment to meet these requirements if it would cause significant financial hardship.
Key provisions
- Movie theaters with six or more locations must provide open captions.
- At least two screenings per week of captioned films are required.
- Audio description must be provided upon request for films with audio description.
- Exhibitors are not required to purchase new equipment to comply.
- The requirements do not apply to drive-in theaters.
Who is affected
- Movie theaters
- Movie theater owners
- Consumers with hearing impairments
Notable changes
- Establishes a minimum requirement for open captioning screenings.
- Mandates audio description availability upon request.
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