Open Captioning Legislation

in Virginia
Ensuring equal access to movie theaters through statewide open caption showings.

Led by Signs of Fun Advocacy Initiative

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Legislative Status Tracker

Current Legislation
Virginia currently has two companion bills addressing open caption accessibility in movie theaters.

SB722 (Senate Bill)
Status: In Progress (watch live)
Committee: Committee on Health and Human Services
Last Action: 16 Feb 26

HB602 (House Bill)
Status: Committee substitute printed 26106291D-H1
Committee: Health & Human Services
Last Action: 12 Feb 26

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                                                                                                                             Last Updated: 17 Feb 26, 3:15 PM
 

Next Steps-Where We Go From Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This graphic outlines the legislative pathway for open captioning bills and the advocacy actions at each stage.

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Why Open Captions? Access Without Asking.

 

What’s the difference between open and closed captions?

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Closed Captions (CC)
Require personal devices such as caption glasses or seat screens. These tools are often uncomfortable, unreliable, or unavailable, and they single out the user.

Open Captions (OC)
Displayed directly on the movie screen for everyone to see. No devices. No requests. Equal access from the start.

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Why it matters:

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences gain full access

• English learners benefit

• Children and seniors benefit

• Viewers in noisy environments benefit

 

Open captions create inclusive viewing without stigma or equipment barriers.

 

Bottom Line:
Built-in access helps everyone, just like curb cuts on sidewalks.
 

Coalition and Community Support

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Get Involved​

 

 

 

 

 

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Community voices play a critical role in advancing accessibility legislation.

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Contact & Support

​Have questions? Want to support the bill? Reach out.

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Open Captions Virginia

Statewide campaign coalition

Email: opencaptionsvirginia@gmail.com

Legislative support, endorsements

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Signs of Fun Advocacy    
Lead advocacy organization behind the initiative

Email: hello@signsoffun.org

Partnerships, media, programming​

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This legislative advocacy initiative is led and coordinated by Signs of Fun, in collaboration with Open Captions Virginia and community partners across the state.

 

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