arrow_back Trending Legislation
Share share

Communication and Video Accessibility: New Standards for People with Disabilities

This act aims to improve access to communication and video content for people with disabilities. It introduces new rules for closed captioning, audio description, and telecommunication services to ensure equal access to information and entertainment in daily life.
Key points
More Closed Captioning and Audio Description: TV and internet programs will need better closed captioning and audio description, including for live and user-generated content.
Easier Video Conferencing: Video conferencing services must offer built-in closed captioning, visual descriptions, and better compatibility with assistive technologies.
Improved Services for DeafBlind Individuals: Increased support for equipment distribution programs and communication facilitation services for DeafBlind individuals.
Easier Equipment Use: Video playback devices (TVs, set-top boxes) will have easier access to closed captioning and audio description settings, including dedicated buttons.
Access to Emergency Services: Enhancements to Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) aim to provide deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind individuals with equal access to 911 and other emergency services.
Monitoring Emerging Technologies: The Commission will regularly assess whether new technologies (e.g., virtual reality, AI) are accessible to people with disabilities and implement appropriate regulations.
article Official text account_balance Process page notifications_active Track this Bill
gavel
Status:
Expired
Record your position for audit.
Why does your vote on bills matter?
It creates raw, undeniable proof. Civic Will provides the permanent data to verify the Government's loyalty towards its citizens (explained here). Start recording it now.
Additional Information
Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2023
Print number: HR 4858
Sponsor: Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-16]
Process start date: 2023-07-25
System Note: Lustra is free, publicly auditable civic infrastructure, with full source code available on GitHub. You are reading sterilized legislative data, processed by our radical neutrality engine to strip political spin and retain factual mechanics. We process only official government data. Original documents remain the authoritative source, always verify them if you can.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch
Summary & Status

Key Questions about Communication and Video Accessibility: New Standards for People with Disabilities

A structured overview of the legislative process, official sources, status and civic context.

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is HR 4858.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-07-25.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • More Closed Captioning and Audio Description: TV and internet programs will need better closed captioning and audio description, including for live and user-generated content.
  • Easier Video Conferencing: Video conferencing services must offer built-in closed captioning, visual descriptions, and better compatibility with assistive technologies.
  • Improved Services for DeafBlind Individuals: Increased support for equipment distribution programs and communication facilitation services for DeafBlind individuals.
  • Easier Equipment Use: Video playback devices (TVs, set-top boxes) will have easier access to closed captioning and audio description settings, including dedicated buttons.
  • Access to Emergency Services: Enhancements to Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) aim to provide deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind individuals with equal access to 911 and other emergency services.
  • Monitoring Emerging Technologies: The Commission will regularly assess whether new technologies (e.g., virtual reality, AI) are accessible to people with disabilities and implement appropriate regulations.

What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-16].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

Analysis and Potential Impact of HR 4858

We don't know, that is up to you to decide. Summarizing raw data with AI is fundamentally different from predicting socio-economic outcomes. As of 2026, we believe impact assessment strictly requires a human in the loop to verify and judge. Review our public AI processing logs for full transparency, and use Lustra to track active legislation for instant status push notifications.

CATEGORIES

Media and Culture Informatization