Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 8327

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-04-16: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-05-13T08:06:17Z

AI-Generated Summary

Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026 (H.R. 8327)

Purpose

This bill updates the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 by expanding accessibility requirements for video programming, communication services, devices, and emerging technologies to ensure people with disabilities—such as those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, low vision, DeafBlind, or have speech/cognitive disabilities—have equal access. It focuses on closed captioning (text version of spoken words), audio description (spoken narration of key visual elements), sign language, and related features across TV, online video, consumer-generated media (user-uploaded content like social media videos), and new tech.

Key Provisions

The bill is structured into six titles with directives to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for regulations, reports, and oversight:

• Title I: Closed Captioning and Audio Description
• Expands requirements to online video programming (internet-delivered video) and consumer-generated media.
• Mandates phased deadlines (2–6 years after regulations) for new programming; maximizes access for older content.
• Requires quality standards, discoverability (e.g., searchable listings), dedicated audio tracks where feasible, and tools for users to add captions/descriptions.
• Adds sign language visibility standards for programming that includes it.
• Establishes a Closed Captioning, Audio Description, and Sign Language Advisory Committee to recommend technical standards, deadlines, and responsibilities within 180 days.
• FCC must report to Congress on progress and update rules every 4 years.

• Title II: Video Playback Apparatuses
• Updates rules for TVs, set-top boxes, and similar devices to support captions, audio description, and compatibility with assistive tech (e.g., braille displays, voice recognition).
• Requires easy activation prompts, dedicated audio channels if feasible, and apportioned responsibilities among manufacturers, importers, and operators.

• Title III: Communications Services
• Video conferencing: Requires accessible features like voice recognition, screen readers, visual descriptions (visual interpretation services), and hands-free tech within 3 years.
• Relay services (intermediary services for non-voice communication): Funds sign language access to emergencies (e.g., 911), Deaf interpreters, communication facilitators for DeafBlind users, and direct video calling to customer service.
• National DeafBlind Equipment Program: Doubles annual funding to $20 million (inflation-adjusted), removes income limits, broadens eligibility (e.g., includes cortical visual impairments).

• Title IV: Customer Service
• Mandates real-time sign language video calling for customer support from communication/video providers, matching support quality for non-disabled users.

• Title V: Emerging Technology
• Requires FCC reports every 5 years on accessibility of AI, VR/AR, IoT, etc., for disabled users, followed by regulations within 2 years.

• Title VI: Enforcement and Reporting
• Enhances FCC penalties for accessibility violations.
• Mandates triennial reports on complaints, resolutions, and timelines.
• Preserves other disability laws (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act).

Exemptions: Allowed for economically burdensome cases (significant cost/difficulty, considering finances and operations); entities can petition FCC.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expands scope: From TV/multichannel video to all online video, clips, live/near-live content treated as prerecorded after 48 hours, and consumer media.
• Phased implementation: New deadlines (e.g., 12–18 months for rules, 2–6 years for compliance) vs. prior fixed dates.
• Technical updates: Redefines terms (e.g., "video description" → "audio description"; adds "online video," "DeafBlind"); quality metrics neutral to creation methods (human/AI).
• New entities/tools: Advisory committee, authoring tools for users, dedicated channels, emergency sign language funding.
• Funding/oversight: Increases DeafBlind program funding; periodic reassessments every 4 years.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies (FCC): Increased rulemaking, reporting (e.g., every 3–5 years), enforcement duties, and advisory oversight; potential resource strain but tech-neutral flexibility.
• Citizens: Improved access to video/comms for ~48 million disabled Americans (e.g., easier 911 access, streaming captions), reducing isolation; minimal burden on non-disabled users.
• Industry: Compliance costs for providers/manufacturers (e.g., retrofitting legacy content), offset by exemptions and phased rollout; promotes innovation in accessible tech.
• No direct international relations impact.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• People with disabilities: Primary beneficiaries (deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low vision, DeafBlind, speech/cognitive impairments).
• Content providers: Broadcasters, streaming services (e.g., Netflix, YouTube), multichannel distributors.
• Tech/device makers: TV/app manufacturers, video conferencing (e.g., Zoom), relay providers.
• Platforms: Social media with user-generated video.
• FCC and consumer groups: Enforcement and advocacy roles.
• Government/emergency services: Enhanced relay access.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens FCC authority under Communications Act; aligns with ADA by ensuring "functionally equivalent" access; preserves state/federal civil rights enforcement; "achievable" standard (technically feasible without undue burden) limits overreach.
• Constitutional: No direct challenges; supports equal protection via disability access without compelled speech issues.
• Political: Bipartisan (introduced by Reps. Dingell/R-Fitzpatrick); balances mandates with industry input (advisory committee, exemptions); future-proofing via tech reviews avoids obsolescence.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12]

Recent Actions

• 2026-04-16: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2026-04-16: Introduced in House
• 2026-04-16: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-16 — PDF (60 pages)