Bill > SB5486

This bill requires motion picture theaters to provide improved captioning options for moviegoers with hearing difficulties. Specifically, motion picture theaters must offer closed captioning technology for all movies produced with captions, and theaters that operate five or more locations in Washington state must provide open captioning (on-screen captions visible to all viewers) for movies that have been produced with open captioning content. For the first two weeks of a movie's release, these larger theater companies must offer at least two open captioning screenings, with at least one screening during prime evening or weekend times. After the initial two weeks, they must provide at least one open captioning screening per week during specified time slots. Smaller theater companies (with four or fewer locations) must either provide an open captioning screening within eight days of a request or offer screenings consistent with the larger theater requirements. The bill mandates that theaters advertise open captioning screenings using the "OC" symbol, maintain documentation of compliance, and provide contact information for captioning requests. The legislation, named the John Waldo act, will take effect on January 1, 2026, and does not apply to drive-in theaters. The bill aims to improve accessibility for moviegoers with hearing impairments by ensuring more consistent and available captioning options.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5486&Year=2025&Initiative=false