Bill > HB49

This bill establishes the Closed Captioning Act, which requires places of public accommodation to activate closed captioning on television receivers in public areas during regular business hours. The bill provides comprehensive definitions for key terms, including what constitutes a "place of public accommodation" (which ranges from hotels and restaurants to schools and recreational facilities) and what qualifies as a "television receiver" (including TVs, display screens, and digital set-top boxes). Owners and managers must turn on closed captioning for all operating televisions in public areas, with some exceptions, such as when the technology cannot support closed captioning or when the program is exempt under federal law. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing the law, establishing a complaint process for individuals with hearing disabilities, and implementing penalties for non-compliance. First-time violations can result in a civil penalty of up to $250, with subsequent violations potentially incurring fines up to $500. The goal of the legislation is to improve accessibility for people with hearing disabilities by ensuring closed captioning is readily available in public spaces.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=49&year=25