CHAPTER 185
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 51.5-44.01 , relating to motion picture theaters; open captioning.
[S 722]
Approved April 6, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 51.5-44.01 as follows:
§ 51.5-44.01 . Movie theater open captioning.
A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Drive-in theater" means a facility where films are viewed from motor vehicles parked in an outdoor venue.
"Open captioning" means the visible on-screen display of a film's dialogue and non-speech elements, such as music, speaker identity, and sound effects.
"Closed captioning" means the written display of a film's dialogue and non-speech elements including music, speaker identity, and sound effects, delivered via a personal captioning device to individual patrons.