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Bill

SB 259

Places of Public Accommodation - Open Movie Captioning

2026 Regular Session

Maryland requires movie theaters to provide open captioning options for films to improve accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons.

Hearing 2/03 at 2:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 259

Legislative bill overview

SB 259 requires movie theaters and other places of public accommodation in Maryland to provide open captioning options for films. Open captioning displays text on-screen for all viewers, unlike closed captioning which requires specialized equipment. The bill aims to improve accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who currently have limited viewing options.

Why is this important

Closed captioning availability at theaters remains inconsistent, and open captioning provides guaranteed access without requiring additional equipment or advance notice. This expands entertainment accessibility and inclusion for an estimated 48 million Americans with hearing loss, while setting a precedent for disability accommodation in commercial venues.

Potential points of contention

  • Theater industry costs and logistics: Requiring open captioning for all screenings or designated showings increases operational complexity, staff training, and potential technical expenses for theater chains
  • Viewer experience concerns: Some filmgoers may object to mandatory text on-screen affecting their viewing experience, raising questions about whether certain showtimes should have open captions versus closed captions
  • Definition scope: Unclear whether the mandate applies to all screenings, specific times, or only certain films, and how "places of public accommodation" are defined beyond theaters (restaurants with screens, gyms, etc.)

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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