Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would modernize U.S. communications law to make online and broadcast video and conferencing more accessible for people with disabilities. It sets new rules for captions, audio description, sign language, devices, relay services, and enforcement across streaming, on‑demand, and television.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More captions, audio, and sign language
If enacted, the bill would require the FCC to set new rules for closed captions, audio description, and on-screen sign language visibility. New online and TV video first made available after the rules would need captions and audio description in English and Spanish. The FCC would set compliance deadlines between 2 and 6 years and adopt caption and AD technical and quality standards, with periodic reviews every 4 years. The bill would also push platforms to provide captioning tools and upload notices for consumer‑generated media and study older content.
Accessible video conferencing features required
If enacted, the bill would require the FCC to adopt rules within 3 years making interoperable video conferencing and devices accessible. Required features would include voice recognition for speech disabilities, simple user interfaces and authentication for cognitive disabilities, screen‑reader support, visual interpretation, and braille or tactile support for shared content where achievable. Providers could meet requirements with third‑party apps only if users are not charged for accessibility. If direct implementation is not achievable, services must be compatible with common assistive peripherals.
Direct video calling and relay access
If enacted, the bill would expand relay services to cover direct video calling between sign language users and call centers. The FCC would write rules within 2 years to make such calls eligible for relay support and to recognize Deaf interpreters and communication facilitators. The bill would also require emergency access parity so video relay and direct video calls can send location and reach emergency services as fast as voice 9‑1‑1 calls. Device makers must make live or machine assistance usable to sign language users when achievable.
Easier access on video devices
If enacted, the bill would require video players and related devices to make captions and audio description easy to turn on. New devices would need a prompt at first power‑on or after a factory reset to set caption and AD preferences. Devices would have to be compatible with assistive tools where technically feasible. The FCC would also define "navigation device" and assign who (makers, importers, operators, and software providers) must meet these rules within 18 months.
Regular reports on new tech accessibility
If enacted, the bill would require the FCC, with the U.S. Access Board, to report to Congress every 5 years on how emerging technologies affect accessibility. The FCC would study AI, extended reality, spatial computing, wireless advances, robotics, and other technologies and suggest fixes. Within 2 years after each report, the FCC would update rules as needed to keep devices and software compatible with assistive tools.
Stronger enforcement and complaint reports
If enacted, the bill would make violations of accessibility requirements an explicit basis for FCC enforcement and fines. The FCC would also be required to report to Congress every 3 years on accessibility complaints, actions taken, fines assessed, and resolution times, with the first report due 3 years after enactment. These changes aim to increase transparency and enforcement of accessibility rules.
More DeafBlind equipment funding
If enacted, the bill would raise the annual cap for the DeafBlind equipment program from $10,000,000 to $20,000,000 and require the FCC to increase that amount each year for inflation. The bill would also remove the program's low‑income limitation and broaden who counts as DeafBlind. The FCC must update program rules within 18 months.
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
Simon
CA • D
Sponsored 5/12/2026
Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16]
NY • D
Sponsored 5/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov