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Enhanced Digital Accessibility: Captions, Audio Description, and Video Conferencing Standards.

This law significantly improves access to video content and communication services, especially those delivered online, for individuals with disabilities. It mandates new quality standards for captions and audio description in streaming video and requires playback devices to feature easy-to-use activation buttons. Furthermore, video conferencing services must now include built-in captioning and be compatible with assistive technologies.
Key points
Online Video: Requires high-quality closed captioning and audio description for all IP-delivered video programming (live, on-demand), with implementation deadlines up to 6 years.
Devices and Remotes: New video playback devices must include dedicated, tactilely identifiable buttons on remotes for quick activation of captions and audio description.
Video Conferencing: Services like Zoom must integrate automatic captions, visual description features, and ensure compatibility with third-party interpreters and screen readers.
Emergency Access (9-1-1): Improves 9-1-1 access for American Sign Language users (VRS) by requiring fast transmission of user location information.
DeafBlind Support: Increases the funding cap for the specialized equipment distribution program for DeafBlind individuals from $10 million to $20 million annually.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_2494
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Process start date: 2023-07-25
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_2494.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-07-25.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Online Video: Requires high-quality closed captioning and audio description for all IP-delivered video programming (live, on-demand), with implementation deadlines up to 6 years.
  • Devices and Remotes: New video playback devices must include dedicated, tactilely identifiable buttons on remotes for quick activation of captions and audio description.
  • Video Conferencing: Services like Zoom must integrate automatic captions, visual description features, and ensure compatibility with third-party interpreters and screen readers.
  • Emergency Access (9-1-1): Improves 9-1-1 access for American Sign Language users (VRS) by requiring fast transmission of user location information.
  • DeafBlind Support: Increases the funding cap for the specialized equipment distribution program for DeafBlind individuals from $10 million to $20 million annually.
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 Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Media and Culture Informatization Security