Bill > HB5491

This bill requires movie theaters in West Virginia that operate in more than one location and have at least two screens to provide open captioning, which displays dialogue and sound effects on the screen, for at least two showings per week of any movie that is produced with open captions. Additionally, upon request, theaters must provide audio description, which is a narration of visual elements for people who are blind or visually impaired, for movies that are produced with it, and each theater must have at least two audio description devices available. However, theaters are not obligated to buy new equipment if it would be an undue burden or fundamentally alter their operations, and these requirements do not apply to drive-in theaters, theaters with fewer than six screens, theaters not equipped with a compatible digital projection system, movies shown fewer than eight times per week, or movies shown more than 20 days after their premiere at that specific theater.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5491&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill