Bill · S. 4322· Senate(119-S-4322)
Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/16/2026
- Last activity
- 4/16/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026," aims to update the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. It expands accessibility requirements for closed captioning and audio description to include online video programming and consumer-generated media. The legislation also addresses sign language in video programming, video playback apparatuses, and video conferencing services. Additionally, it updates telecommunications relay services and the National DeafBlind equipment distribution program. Finally, it establishes requirements for emerging technologies and enhances enforcement and complaint reporting.
Yes· 3 of 7
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+10
The bill drastically expands accessibility for closed captioning, audio description, sign language, and video conferencing for all people with disabilities.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+9
The bill significantly expands accessibility requirements for online video, video conferencing, and telecommunications services for people with disabilities.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
The bill includes provisions for older Americans in the advisory committee and addresses accessibility for evolving technologies.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Accessibility for Online Content: The bill requires the Commission to revise regulations so that all new online video programming is fully accessible through closed captioning (Section 102(c)(2)(A)) and audio description (Section 103(a)(3)(A)).
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Improved Support for Consumer-Generated Media: Entities that make consumer-generated media available must provide authoring tools that allow users to add closed captions (Section 102(c)(2)(D)(ii)(I)) and audio description (Section 103(a)(3)(D)(ii)(I)).
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Better Television Accessibility: Regulations will be revised to require that all video programming first published or exhibited on television is fully accessible through audio description (Section 103(a)(2)(A)).
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Expanded Sign Language Access: The bill mandates regulations to ensure that when sign language is provided in video programming, it is visible on the viewer's screen throughout the entire program (Section 105).
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Improved Video Conferencing: Providers of interoperable video conferencing services will be required to make various features available, such as voice recognition, simplified user interfaces for those with cognitive disabilities, and screen-reader capability (Section 301(a)(1)(A)).
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Enhanced Relay Services: The bill expands telecommunications relay services to include direct video calling services for those using sign language to communicate with government agencies, businesses, or emergency authorities (Section 302(a)(1)(B)).
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Increased Funding for DeafBlind Individuals: The National DeafBlind equipment distribution program's funding is increased from $10,000,000 to $20,000,000 (Section 303(a)(1)(C)).
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Accessibility in Customer Service: Manufacturers and service providers must make customer assistance usable for individuals who rely on sign language through real-time communication via direct video calling services (Section 401(a)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Economic Burdens on Entities: The bill allows the Commission to exempt certain programs or media from requirements if providing accessibility is deemed "economically burdensome," defined as resulting in significant difficulty or expense (Section 103(a)(5)(A); Section 104).
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Potential Costs for Consumers: While some provisions aim for compatibility, the bill notes that industry flexibility may involve the use of third-party applications or hardware, provided consumers are not assessed extra charges for achieving accessibility (Section 301(a)(1)(B)(ii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+10Good For Seniors+5Good For Low Income Households+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+9
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- 4/16/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico