HB5033 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB099 19340 JLS 43732 b

99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
HB5033

Introduced , by Rep. David Harris

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Digital Theater Closed Captioning Device Act. Provides that movie theaters that are equipped with digital projection capabilities must provide a minimum number of closed captioning devices for use by patrons. Effective January 1, 2017.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning business.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Digital Theater Closed Captioning Device Act.

Section 5. Purpose and scope.

(a) It is the purpose of this Act to improve accessibility to entertainment venues for persons with a hearing disability.

(b) This Act applies only to movie theaters that are equipped with digital projection devices.

Section 10. Closed captioning devices required.

(a) A theater equipped with digital projection devices must install, operate, and maintain closed captioned devices in the theater as follows:

(1) A theater that has 16 or more screens must have 15 closed captioning devices.

(2) A theater that has at least 7, but fewer than 16, screens must have 10 closed captioning devices.

(3) A theater that has at least 2, but fewer than 7, screens must have 5 closed captioning devices.

(4) A theater that has one screen must have 3 closed captioning devices.

(b) If the theater's seats are equipped with cup holders, 50% of the closed captioning devices must be cup holder style devices.

Section 15. Staff training; notice.

(a) The theater's employees must be trained in the use of the closed captioning devices and be able to assist patrons in the use of the devices.

(b) The theater must post a conspicuous public notice near the theater entrance informing patrons of the availability of the closed captioning devices.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect January 1, 2017.