Relating to open captioning for motion pictures

SB 698 requires movie theater exhibitors operating six or more locations across multiple sites in West Virginia to provide open captioning for at least two showings per week of any film that includes open captioning in its production. It also mandates that theaters offer audio description upon request for films produced with audio description. The law excludes drive-in theaters and prohibits requiring exhibitors to purchase new equipment if it would create an undue burden or alter their business operations. This bill directly affects large theater chains in West Virginia, aiming to improve accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing moviegoers.