Bill > SB698

This bill requires movie theater exhibitors who operate six or more theaters across multiple locations in West Virginia to provide open captioning (visible text on the screen displaying dialogue and sound effects) during at least two showings per week for any motion picture that is already produced with open captioning. Additionally, the bill mandates that theaters provide audio description (a narrative track describing visual elements for visually impaired viewers) upon request for any motion picture that was originally produced with audio description. The bill includes important limitations: theaters are not required to purchase new equipment if doing so would create an undue financial burden or fundamentally alter their theater, and the requirements do not apply to drive-in movie theaters. This legislation aims to improve accessibility for moviegoers with hearing or visual impairments by ensuring that captioning and audio description options are available in larger theater chains across the state.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=698&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill