# Summary of S. 2494: Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2023
This legislation updates accessibility requirements for video programming and communications services to keep pace with modern technology. The bill expands closed captioning and audio description requirements to internet-delivered video content, strengthens video conferencing accessibility, enhances emergency communication access for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, and improves accessibility of video playback devices.
The bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to issue new regulations within specific timeframes, typically 18 months to 2 years, to mandate closed captions and audio descriptions for video streamed over the internet, with full compliance required within six years. It also establishes tighter accessibility standards for devices that play video, requiring dedicated buttons for captions and audio descriptions and audio menus for blind and low-vision users. For video conferencing services, the bill mandates built-in automatic captioning and visual description features, with compatibility for assistive technologies like screen readers and sign language interpreting services.
The legislation affects video streaming platforms, television broadcasters, manufacturers of consumer electronics and video equipment, video conferencing providers, and communications companies. It establishes two advisory committees to develop technical recommendations and requires the FCC to update regulations every four years to reflect technological advances. While the bill does not specify direct federal funding, it allocates existing telecommunications relay service funds to support new services for deaf and hard-of-hearing users and increases the national equipment distribution program for DeafBlind individuals from $10 million to $20 million annually.
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