LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 19, 2025) — Yesterday, Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) introduced legislation to improve accessibility of movie screenings for Michigan moviegoers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Senate Bill 764 would provide greater access to Open Movie Captioning (OMC) screenings and allow residents to request additional captioned screenings outside of the three-week period that films are typically shown.
“Every Michigander should have the opportunity to experience the entertainment and enjoyment of seeing a film in a theater,” said Sen. Chang. “Recognizing and meeting the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community is vital to ensure that everyone has fair, equitable access to going to the movies — which are often part of memorable family moments and community experiences.”
Senate Bill 764 would ensure:
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If a theater has eight or more screens, or shows a movie more than five times in a week (Friday through Thursday), it must offer at least two OMC screenings each week, and continue this for at least three weeks following a movie’s release;
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Individuals can request OMC screenings after the initial three-week period, with reasonable time for the theater to comply, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
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And any noncompliance to be filed with the Michigan Dept. of Attorney General, or the Michigan Dept. of Civil Rights, if an individual is denied on the basis of being Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
“Inaccessible and often nonfunctional caption devices have pushed many deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, and disabled people away from theaters,” said Teddy Dorsette III, filmmaker and executive director of the Access, Equity & Leadership Collective (AELC). “On‑screen captions benefit everyone by ensuring no words, meaning, or moments are missed, and this legislation helps bring families, friends, and communities back together in spaces meant for all.”
Several other states and major cities across the United States — including Maryland, Hawaii, Washington, the District of Columbia, and New York City — have passed similar Open Movie Captioning laws to ensure everyone has equal access to entertainment and accessible film screenings.
This legislation was crafted alongside leaders in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Senate Bill 764 now heads to the Senate Committee for Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety for further consideration.