Bill > H677

This bill requires movie theaters with more than 10 showings per week to provide open captioning (on-screen text displaying dialogue, character names, and sound effects) for a portion of their movie screenings. Specifically, if a movie has four or more showings in a week, at least one-fourth of those showings must have open captioning, with no more than four such showings per movie per week. At least half of these captioned showings must occur during "peak attendance hours" (Friday 6 PM to 11 PM, and Saturday/Sunday 11 AM to 11 PM). Movie theaters must publicly advertise these captioned showings in the same manner as other screenings, clearly indicating which showings include captions. Theaters must also keep records demonstrating compliance for at least three years. The bill exempts movies that are not produced with open captioning and imposes a civil penalty of $100 to $500 for violations. The law will take effect on October 1, 2025, and will apply to movies shown on or after that date, aiming to improve accessibility for deaf, hard of hearing, and other moviegoers who benefit from captions.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H677