Sections on this Page:
- The DC Open Movie Captioning Requirement Amendment Act of 2024?
- Theater Requirements
- Exceptions
- Compliance and OHR Oversight
- Penalties
The DC Open Movie Captioning Requirement Amendment Act of 2024
Effective October 1, 2024, the DC Office of Human Rights (“OHR”) will enforce the Open Movie Captioning Requirement Amendment Act of 2024 ("the Act"). The Act mandates that movie theaters in Washington, DC, with three or more screens offer a minimum number of open-captioned screenings per week.
Open Captioning is:
Written, on-screen display of a motion picture’s dialogue and non-speech information, which may include music, the identity of the character speaking, and other sounds and sound effects.
For full details on the Act, click here.
- Theaters with Three or More Screens:
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Must provide open captioning for at least three screenings within each of the first two weeks of a film’s release, including at least one during peak weekend hours. Peak weekend hours are defined as Fridays between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays between 11:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
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After the first two weeks, at least two weekly screenings must include open captions, with one during peak weekend hours.
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- Theaters with Two or Fewer Screens:
- Must offer open captioning within a reasonable time frame after receiving a request or may choose to follow the same requirements as larger theaters.
Exceptions
- Films with fewer than seven showings per operating week are exempt.
- Films not produced or made available with open captioning are exempt.
- Theaters cannot willfully cancel captioned screenings but may be excused in cases of unforeseen circumstances, such as equipment failure or severe weather.
Compliance and OHR Oversight
OHR may conduct random compliance reviews at any time and will perform at least three annual reviews for theaters with three or more screens. Theaters must provide showtime information upon request, and OHR will investigate consumer complaints about non-compliance.
OHR will also establish procedures for compliance reviews, create consumer reporting templates, and issue violation notices as necessary.
Penalties
- Theaters found in violation must offer an additional open-captioned screening within one week of receiving a Notice of Infraction.
- Repeated violations may result in increased open-captioning requirements and enhanced oversight by OHR.
If you have any questions about the Act or compliance requirements, please email OHR at [email protected] or call 202-727-4559.