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Bill

A 4887

Provides televisions in State buildings shall display closed captioning for programming.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 3 co-sponsors

State televisions in state buildings must display functional closed captioning for all programming.

Substituted by S3237
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4887

Summary of New Jersey Assembly Bill A-4887 (Session 222)

Title

Provides televisions in State buildings shall display closed captioning for programming.

Purpose and Intent

The bill requires that televisions displayed in State government buildings provide closed captioning (CC) for programming. The aim is to improve accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as others who rely on captions for understanding audio content in public spaces.

Key Provisions

  • Scope: Applies to televisions located in State government buildings. The bill specifies that the closed captioning requirement is for programming that is shown on these televisions.
  • Closed Captioning Requirement: All programming displayed on state-owned or state-operated televisions must have functional closed captioning. This applies to standard broadcasts as well as any regularly scheduled programming shown in public areas within state facilities.
  • Compliance Standards: The provision implies adherence to standard closed captioning formats used by the broadcasting industry, ensuring captions are synchronized with audio and accessible to viewers.
  • Enforcement and Oversight: The bill would establish or rely on existing state oversight to monitor compliance and address failures to provide captions. Details on penalties or corrective actions would typically be outlined in the implementing regulations or subsequent statutory guidance.
  • Effective Date/Implementation Timeline: The bill would specify an effective date for compliance. This could include phased timelines (e.g., a grace period for retrofitting equipment or new installations) to allow state facilities to meet the requirement.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: State government agencies and departments responsible for operating buildings and public-facing televisions within state facilities.
  • Beneficiaries: Visitors, employees, and participants who rely on closed captions to access information presented in state buildings, including individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and those in noise-restricted environments.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The bill’s text would designate an effective date and any phased rollout plan.
  • It may require agencies to assess current equipment, ensure compatibility with captioning services, and budget for potential upgrades.
  • Potential interactions with federal or state accessibility laws (e.g., ADA-related standards) and existing captioning guidelines.

Practical Impact

  • Accessibility Improvement: Ensures that informational programming in state facilities is accessible to a broader audience.
  • Operational Considerations: Agencies may incur costs for upgrading or configuring televisions to guarantee reliable closed captioning, and ongoing maintenance to ensure captioning remains functional.
  • Public Perception: Demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and inclusive communication within state-operated spaces.

Notes

  • The bill lists co-sponsors: Linda Carter and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, indicating legislative support at the sponsor level.
  • Specific implementation details (e.g., penalties, exact compliance timelines, and whether the rule applies to all types of televisions or only public-facing displays) would be clarified in the bill’s full text and any accompanying regulations.

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

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