Update on the NY Open Captions at Movie Theaters Bill (S9888):
The bill was introduced on April 13 and, as of May 4, is still stuck in the NY State Senate Consumer Protection Committee. With the legislative session ending on June 4, time is running out. If it does not move IMMEDIATELY NOW, it will likely stall again this year.
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What helps most (in order):
I. Call Rachel May (Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee) As Chair, she decides whether this bill moves forward. She was also a co-sponsor last year but has not yet signed on this session:
(518) 455-2838
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II. Call your NY State Senator and ask them to co-sponsor S9888
More co-sponsors = more pressure to move the bill.
Find your senator:
https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator
If your Senator supported this bill last year, ask them to renew their co-sponsorship.
This includes:
- Bill Weber (also on the Consumer Protection Committee)
- Lea Webb (also on the Consumer Protection Committee)
- Julia Salazar
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III. Quick action form (takes 1–2 minutes):
https://www.hearingloss.org/advocacy-and-resources/action-alerts/expand-new-york-open-caption-movies/
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This bill would require a limited number of movie showtimes with open captions, meaning captions are shown directly on the screen, and these showings will be clearly labeled so people can choose whether to attend those showings.
It helps not only people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but also people who are neurodivergent, have auditory processing challenges, are English language learners, or anyone who benefits from captions.
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Last year, the bill had support but never made it out of committee. That is exactly what could happen again without public pressure.
There is still a chance to get it passed this session, but only if people act now.
You can read the bill here:
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9888
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Even a small number of calls can make a difference right now.
If you have a minute, please call. If you can, please share.
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What to say (10 seconds):
For Senator May:
Hi, I’m calling to ask Senator May to co-sponsor S9888 again and move the open captions at movie theaters bill out of committee.
For your Senator:
Hi, I’m a constituent calling to ask Senator ___ to co-sponsor S9888, the open captions at movie theaters bill, and support moving it forward this session.