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HR8327119th CongressWALLET

Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]

Introduced

Summary

Would expand accessibility across online video, devices, and video conferencing by requiring captions, audio description, and sign language so more content is usable for people with disabilities.

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  • Viewers with disabilities and families would see more accessible video across TV, streaming, live and near-live programming, and clips. Captions must be provided in English and Spanish and audio description and sign language standards would improve discoverability and reporting.
  • Online platforms and consumer-generated media creators would need to keep caption data with content, preserve it in common interoperable formats, and get authoring tools and guidance. Entities could seek exemptions if compliance is shown to be "economically burdensome" using four specified factors.
  • Device makers and conferencing services would face new accessibility requirements for video playback and navigation devices, including accessible activation, assistive-technology support, and a possible dedicated audio channel. The bill would also require a baseline of interoperable video conferencing accessibility within 3 years, such as screen-reader support, braille display compatibility, and voice recognition.

*No federal cost estimate is provided in the sources so no fiscal projection is included.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Accessible video conferencing rules

If enacted, the bill would require the FCC to set an accessibility baseline for interoperable video conferencing within 3 years. Rules would require features like voice recognition that accepts speech from people with speech disabilities, screen-reader support for all UI and shared content, plain-language instructions, braille and tactile device support, visual interpretation for blind/low-vision users, and simplified interfaces for people with cognitive disabilities. Providers may meet requirements natively or via third parties, but consumers must not be charged for third-party mechanisms.

Better captions, audio, and sign language

If enacted, the bill would require the FCC to expand closed captioning on new online videos and push to make older online videos and user uploads more accessible. The FCC would also require audio description on new TV and online programming, set discoverability and labeling rules, and adopt technical quality rules within 4 years. Sign-language presentations would have to remain visible on-screen for programming first published after the rules take effect. Caption and audio description files would need to stay with the content in common, machine-readable formats.

Expanded relay and 9-1-1 access

If enacted, the bill would expand the legal scope of telecommunications relay services to include help for DeafBlind people, communication facilitators, Deaf interpreters, and direct video calling services. The FCC would have to adopt rules within 2 years to make those services eligible for relay fund support and to pursue full, equal, and direct 9-1-1 access for sign-language users, including one-step dialing from mobile phones unless not achievable. The FCC would reassess and update rules every 4 years.

More accessible playback devices

If enacted, the bill would require playback devices and navigation equipment to make captions, audio description, and other accessibility features easy to start. Devices would need a startup prompt for caption and audio settings on first power-on or after a factory reset. Where achievable, devices would include a separate audio channel for audio description and support assistive tech like refreshable braille, sip-and-puff, hearing-aid compatibility, and voice input. The FCC would decide who (makers, importers, app providers, or operators) must comply within 18 months.

Real-time sign-language customer help

If enacted, the bill would require manufacturers, service providers, and video-related businesses that offer live customer help to provide real-time sign-language support through direct video calling, unless not achievable. The FCC would issue rules within 1 year for manufacturers and service providers and within 2 years for video programming providers. The sign-language support would have to be at least as available and effective as help given to the general public.

More funding for DeafBlind equipment

If enacted, the bill would raise annual authorized funding for the National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program from $10,000,000 to $20,000,000 and require the FCC to adjust that amount each year for inflation. The bill would also broaden the legal definition of who is DeafBlind to include additional diagnoses. The FCC would update its related regulation within 18 months.

FCC advisory panel and reports

If enacted, the bill would require the FCC Chair to set up a Closed Captioning, Audio Description, and Sign Language Advisory Committee within 60 days. The committee would give recommendations within 180 days and a sign-language visibility report within 6 months. The FCC would also have to report every 5 years on how new tech like AI and AR/VR affects accessibility and update rules within 2 years after each report. The bill would also make FCC fine authority clearly apply to accessibility violations upon enactment.

New video and disability definitions

If enacted, the bill would redefine 'online video programming' as video sent using Internet protocol and adopt the ADA definition of 'disability' for the law. It would explicitly exclude consumer-generated media from the statutory definition of 'video programming'. These definition changes would take effect upon enactment and would change which media and creators are covered by other accessibility rules.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]

MI • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 4/16/2026

  • Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37]

    TX • D

    Sponsored 5/12/2026

  • Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 5/12/2026

  • Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 5/13/2026

  • Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 8/3/2026

  • Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 8/17/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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