This bill aims to enhance accessibility for individuals with visual or hearing impairments in New Jersey by mandating that movie theaters provide effective communication devices, such as closed movie captioning and audio description devices, at no additional cost. It amends Section 5 of P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-5) to explicitly include "movie theater" as a type of public accommodation, thereby expanding protections under the "Law Against Discrimination." The legislation outlines specific requirements for the number of devices based on the size of the theater and mandates that theaters inform the public about their availability and train staff to assist patrons.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions related to accessibility, including terms like "audio description" and "captioning device," to improve understanding and compliance with the law. It clarifies that theaters are not required to use digital projection technology or provide open movie captioning for films that do not include these features. The legislation specifies that these requirements do not apply to theaters showing only analog movies or drive-in theaters, and violations may incur penalties as per existing laws. The act is set to take effect 90 days after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10:5-5