Open Movie Captioning Requirement Act of 2023

This bill requires movie theaters in the District of Columbia to show a specific number of films with open captions, which display dialogue and sound effects on screen for all viewers. Larger theaters must offer at least three captioned showings per week for new movies during their first two weeks and at least two per week thereafter, ensuring at least one showing occurs during peak weekend hours. To enforce these rules, the Office of Human Rights will conduct regular compliance reviews and can order additional showings or extra inspections for theaters that fail to meet the requirements. The legislation also mandates that theaters advertise captioned times alongside regular showtimes and directs the Mayor to run a public awareness campaign highlighting the benefits of open captions for everyone, not just those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Additionally, the bill expands a local film incentive fund to allow money to be used for supporting open captioning efforts.