Michigan Senate Considers Bill for Open Captioned Screenings in Movie Theaters
In an effort to enhance the moviegoing experience for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, a new legislative proposal in Michigan aims to mandate open captioned screenings in certain movie theaters. The bill, introduced by Democratic State Senator Stephanie Chang, seeks to ensure inclusivity and accessibility at the box office.
This proposed legislation targets theaters with eight or more screens, or those showing a film more than five times weekly, requiring them to host at least two open captioned screenings during the initial three weeks of a film’s release.
“The problem that this is really trying to solve is the fact that right now, sometimes options can be a little bit limited for people who are hard of hearing or deaf,” Chang explained. “So we’re trying to provide some greater access.”
Currently, movie theaters offer closed captioning devices upon request, but Chang criticized their effectiveness. “Sometimes the devices don’t work properly. It’s just an extra sort of burden,” she said, noting that many patrons prefer on-screen captions.
The bill’s development involved collaboration with the deaf and hard of hearing community, notably Teddy Dorsette III, a local advocate who contributed significantly to the bill’s framework. Chang mentioned that similar laws exist in other states, indicating a growing national trend toward open captioning.
Should the bill pass, it will also introduce a mechanism for moviegoers to report non-compliance. Complaints could be lodged with the Michigan Department of Attorney General or the Michigan Department of Civil Rights if access is denied due to hearing impairments.
Beyond aiding the deaf and hard of hearing, Chang emphasized that open captioning serves a broader audience, including families and individuals who rely on captions for diverse reasons. “A lot of different people want to have captions,” she added. “If this law passes, they’ll be able to go watch a movie with some of their family members who maybe have different types of conditions.”
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