Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026

Overview

HR 8327, the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026, is a bipartisan bill introduced in the 119th Congress to update and expand accessibility requirements originally established by the 2010 Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA). The bill aims to strengthen and broaden requirements for closed captioning, audio description, and sign language on a wide range of video programming and related technologies, as well as to create new accessibility frameworks for emerging technologies, video conferencing, relay services, and emergency communications. It also establishes an advisory committee, updates enforcement and reporting mechanisms, and directs regular Congress-facing reviews.

Purpose and Intent

• Update CVAA to reflect current and emerging technologies and consumption models (online video, consumer-generated media, video conferencing, etc.).
• Improve accessibility for people with disabilities by requiring higher quality and broader application of captioning, description, and sign language in both traditional and online/streaming contexts.
• Expand accessibility into new areas such as video playback apparatuses, customer service, emerging technologies, and emergency communications.
• Create ongoing oversight, reporting, and committee work to develop standards and best practices.

Key Provisions and Changes

Title I — Closed Captioning and Audio Description

• Redefines key terms to cover online video programming, consumer-generated media, live/near-live content, prerecorded programming, and online delivery.
• Closed captioning requirements for online video programming and consumer-generated media, with phased regulatory updates and deadlines:
  • Online programming first made available after revised regs must be fully captioned.
  • Deadlines for captioning expansion range from 2 to 6 years after the revised regulations.
  • Caption quality standards must address accuracy, synchronicity, completeness, and placement.
  • Provisions to treat live/near-live content similarly when later made available as prerecorded content (after 48 hours).
  • For older online programming and consumer-generated media, the FCC must maximize captioning accessibility, including authoring tools for posters and user-facing notices.
• Introduction of an audio description regulatory framework for:
  • New online programming and television programming first published or exhibited after revised regs.
  • Similar deadline structures (2–6 years) and discoverability requirements (searchable labeling, navigation-friendly).
  • Provisions for the accessibility of audio-described content, including channels dedicated to audio description when feasible.
• Audio description quality standards require synchronization with the non-descriptive audio, clarity, and potential use of open subtitles where feasible.
• Economic burden considerations for exemptions; regulators may grant exemptions if audio description is economically burdensome.

Technical and Conforming Amendments

• Aligns CVAA-related terms across the Communications Act (e.g., “video description” to “audio description”) and adjusts regulatory references accordingly.
• Extends and clarifies enforcement and conformity across related sections (e.g., section 713, 303, 330).

Title II — Video Playback Apparatuses

• Requires accessibility considerations for video playback devices, including:
  • Readily accessible activation mechanisms for captions and descriptions.
  • Optional dedicated audio channels for description where feasible.
  • Compatibility with assistive technologies and devices (refreshable Braille displays, switch devices, hearing aids, etc.).
  • Prominent on-device prompts and accessible menus for accessibility features.

Title III — Communications Services

• Section 301: Video conferencing
  • Adds “visual interpretation services” and expands accessibility considerations for interoperable video conferencing.
• Section 302: Relay services
  • Expands definitions to include communication facilitators, Deaf interpreters, and direct video calling services to support DeafBlind users.
  • Modernizes and broadens relay services to include video relay and direct video calling for government and emergency use.
• Section 303: National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program
  • Expands the DeafBlind program, updating eligibility and increasing funding to $20,000,000 (adjusted annually for inflation).

Title IV — Customer Service

• Title IV requires usability improvements for advanced communication and video programming services.
• Mandates that direct video calling services and other live customer support be accessible in real time via sign language where feasible, with FCC rulemaking timelines.

Title V — Emerging Technology

• Creates a framework for Emerging Technology Accessibility, requiring FCC reports every 5 years assessing opportunities and barriers posed by AI, AR/VR, XR, spatial computing, IoT, and related technologies.
• Requires subsequent regulations within 2 years of each report to ensure accessibility of emerging technologies.

Title VI — Enforcement and Reporting

• Strengthens enforcement authority under Section 503(b)(5) to cover new accessibility provisions (captioning, audio description, relay services, etc.).
• Establishes a formal Accessibility Complaint Reporting Requirement:
  • FCC must report every 3 years on the number and nature of accessibility complaints, actions taken, resolution timelines, and outcomes of mandamus or appeals.

Who Would Be Affected

• Video programming publishers, distributors, and platforms (including online video and consumer-generated media).
• Television broadcasters and network programmers delivering content via traditional and IP-based channels.
• Video playback device manufacturers and navigation device makers.
• Video conferencing providers and platforms, and equipment manufacturers.
• Relay service providers, Deaf interpreters, and communication facilitators.
• Entities funding and operating DeafBlind programs.
• Consumers with disabilities (including those who rely on captions, audio description, sign language, or assistive technologies).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Advisory Committee: Establish within 60 days of enactment; initial meeting within 45 days after appointment of members; open meetings with 14-day notice.
• Recommendations due: Within 180 days for captioning/audio description standards; later recommendations for sign language standards within 6 months of advisory establishment.
• Regulatory timelines:
  • Online captioning: initial revised rules within 12 months after recommendations.
  • Online captioning quality updates: every 4 years.
  • Audio description standards: initial updates within 12–18 months depending on subparagraph; ongoing updates every 4 years.
  • Video conferencing accessibility regulations: within 3 years for comprehensive requirements.
  • Emerging technology regulations: within 2 years of each report.
• Funding and inflation adjustments: DeafBlind equipment program funding set at $20 million, adjustable for inflation.
• Reporting: Biennial or triannual reporting on complaint data and enforcement outcomes.

Bottom Line

HR 8327 would modernize and broaden accessibility requirements across television, online video, consumer-generated media, devices, communications services, and emerging technologies. It emphasizes not only captioning and audio description quality and coverage but also sign language accessibility, accessibility in customer service, and robust enforcement and oversight. If enacted, the FCC would implement new standards, timelines, and reporting, aiming to reduce barriers for people with disabilities in a rapidly evolving communications landscape.