The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 47-11D-5, which mandates that certain theatres provide accessibility features for persons with disabilities. Specifically, exhibitors operating multiple theatre locations in the state are required to offer open captioning for at least two showings per week of each digital motion picture that includes this feature. Additionally, upon request, theatres must provide audio descriptions for digital films that offer this service and must have at least two audio description devices available.

The bill also includes provisions to prevent undue burdens on exhibitors, stating that they are not required to purchase new equipment if it would impose significant hardship or fundamentally alter the theatre. Furthermore, several exceptions to these requirements are outlined, including drive-in theatres, those with fewer than six screens, theatres lacking digital projection systems that support open captioning, films shown fewer than eight times in a week, and films screened more than 20 days after their premiere at the theatre.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 47-11D-5
Committee Substitute: 47-11D-5
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 47-11D-5