New Jersey Assembly Bill A1137

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires movie theaters to provide effective communication devices for individuals with visual or hearing impairment; expands protections under "Law Against Discrimination."

Impact

The bill's provisions stipulate specific requirements for the number of captioning and audio description devices based on the size of the theater. For instance, theaters with multiple auditoriums must maintain a certain number of operational devices to accommodate patrons requesting these services. However, the bill exempts theaters that only show analog movies and drive-in theaters, which may limit its overall impact on all movie viewing options for individuals with disabilities in New Jersey.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1137, introduced in the New Jersey legislature, mandates that movie theaters provide effective communication devices for individuals with visual or hearing impairments. The bill aims to enhance accessibility for disabled patrons by requiring theaters to offer closed captioning and audio description services at no additional cost. This legislation expands on existing protections outlined in the Law Against Discrimination, particularly concerning the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Contention

While the intent of A1137 is to increase inclusivity, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility and financial implications of implementation for smaller theaters. Critics might argue that these mandates could pose a financial burden, especially for independent cinemas that often operate on tight margins. Additionally, there could be ongoing discussions about the balance between accessibility requirements and the operational capabilities of theaters, raising questions about the required compliance timelines and the sufficiency of available resources for theaters to meet the new standards.