Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced
Summary
Comprehensive modernization of audiovisual and communications accessibility that would expand captioning, audio description, sign language, relay services, device accessibility, and rules for consumer‑generated media across TV and online platforms. It would set phased compliance schedules and new quality and discoverability standards to bring older and internet‑delivered content into a single accessibility framework.
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- People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind would gain broader access through expanded closed captioning, required on‑screen sign language visibility for programming that includes signing, strengthened relay and direct video calling for emergencies, and removal of income limits from the DeafBlind equipment distribution program. Many deadlines are phased over 2–6 years with a maximum compliance window of 6 years.
- Viewers who are blind or have low vision would see new and higher quality audio description rules for television, online video, and consumer‑generated media, plus labeling and discoverability in guides and support for English and Spanish audio description where specified.
- Platforms, creators, and device makers would face obligations to keep captions and descriptions with the content, support interoperable formats and portability, provide authoring tools for posting users on CGM platforms, and meet device accessibility prompts and features. An Advisory Committee would recommend schedules, standards, and metrics and the FCC would allocate responsibilities and issue implementing rules within set timelines.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Better video relay and 911 access
If enacted, the bill would expand relay services to include direct video calling, communication facilitators, and Deaf interpreters. The FCC would issue rules within two years to make these services eligible for relay fund support. The rules would, unless not achievable, require true parity for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind users when calling emergency services: a single number for video or text access, native or one‑step dialing, and transmission of location data at speeds comparable to voice 9‑1‑1. The FCC would reassess standards every 4 years.
Captions required for online videos
If enacted, the FCC would require closed captions for online video first made available after the rule starts. Deadlines would fall between 2 and 6 years after the rule takes effect. English and Spanish videos would be captioned in the original audio language. Platforms would need to keep caption data with the program in common formats and make captions discoverable. Consumer‑generated video platforms would have to provide authoring tools, notice at upload, and guidance. Caption quality rules would apply and be reviewed every 4 years.
Easier captions and audio on devices
If enacted, new FCC rules within 18 months would require video players and navigation devices to make caption and audio description controls easy to find. Devices would prompt users to set caption and audio preferences on first power‑on or after a factory reset. When achievable, devices would include a dedicated audio track for audio description and be compatible with common assistive tools like braille displays, hearing aids, and hands‑free devices. Voice menus should include voice recognition for people with speech disabilities.
More accessibility in video calls
If enacted, the FCC would require interoperable video conferencing services and equipment to add accessibility features within three years. Required features would include voice recognition for people with speech disabilities, simple accessible interfaces and secure logins for people with cognitive disabilities, screen‑reader support for all UI and shared content, visual interpretation services, and compatibility with braille and tactile devices. Companies could use third‑party solutions so long as consumers are not charged for required accessibility. If third‑party paths do not work, providers must ensure compatibility with common assistive devices when achievable.
More audio descriptions for videos
If enacted, the FCC would require audio description for television and online video programming on a phased schedule. TV rules would follow within 12 months of advisory recommendations and online rules within 18 months. Deadlines to roll out would be between 2 and 6 years after the rules take effect. Audio descriptions would need to convey key visual details, stay in sync with the program, and use dedicated audio channels when feasible. Online and user‑posted content would get authoring tools, notice, and guidance, and the FCC would set quality standards within 4 years.
More equipment for DeafBlind people
If enacted, the National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program would get $20,000,000 a year, adjusted for inflation. The bill would remove the program's low‑income eligibility limit so more DeafBlind individuals could get equipment. The legal definition of who is DeafBlind would expand to include certain visual and auditory processing conditions. The FCC must update program rules within 18 months.
New FCC accessibility advisory and reports
If enacted, the FCC Chair would create an accessibility advisory committee within 60 days. The committee would recommend schedules, quality standards, device compatibility, and rules for captions, audio description, and sign language within 180 days and sign‑language visibility rules within 6 months. The bill would also add and clarify definitions (for example, online video programming, direct video calling, and Deaf interpreters) so the rules cover the right services. The FCC must send periodic reports to Congress on complaints, emerging technologies, and user‑generated or legacy programming on multi‑year schedules.
Stronger fines for accessibility violations
If enacted, the bill would explicitly add accessibility violations to the list of offenses the FCC can fine. This would make forfeiture and fines a clear enforcement tool against providers that fail to follow accessibility rules.
Keep sign language interpreters visible
If enacted, the FCC would adopt rules within one year after the advisory committee's sign‑language recommendations. Video that includes sign language would have to keep the interpreter visible on the viewer's screen throughout the program under FCC standards. The FCC would use existing enforcement procedures when enforcing this rule.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
MA • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 4/16/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov