An Act Expanding Access By Hearing Impaired Persons To Movie Theaters.
Should this bill be enacted, it would amend Title 46a of the Connecticut General Statutes, specifically targeting the regulations that govern accessibility standards within public venues. It will require compliance from larger movie theater chains, thereby creating a more uniform standard across the state for captioning and audio descriptions, which could serve as a model for other states. The anticipated outcome is an increase in movie attendance among hearing impaired individuals, facilitating greater enjoyment and community participation in cinematic experiences.
SB00140, titled 'An Act Expanding Access By Hearing Impaired Persons To Movie Theaters', aims to enhance the accessibility of movie theaters for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The bill mandates that movie theater companies with more than two locations in the state must provide open-captioned screenings for digital films at least twice a week. Additionally, if requested, theaters would also need to provide audio descriptions for films that are equipped with such technology. This measure reflects a commitment to inclusivity and the rights of individuals with disabilities.
While the bill is aimed at improving access, potential points of contention may arise concerning the financial implications for theater chains. Opponents might argue that the requirements could lead to increased operational costs and reduced flexibility in programming. Conversely, advocates for the hearing impaired may counter that the added costs are necessary for equal access and that the benefits of inclusivity and increased patronage could ultimately outweigh these concerns.