In a huge win for accessibility and inclusion, Washington State just became the fifth U.S. jurisdiction to require open captions in movie theaters. The passage of Senate Bill 5486 (SB 5486), the Washington State Open Caption Law (also known as the John Waldo Act) in May 2025 is a game-changer for Deaf and hard-of-hearing moviegoers—and for anyone who benefits from easier-to-read, more immersive cinema experiences.

What SB 5486 Requires

Starting January 1, 2026, all large movie theater chains operating five or more locations in Washington must follow this schedule for movies that are distributed with open captioning:

  • In the first two weeks of a film’s release (with at least five scheduled showings at that location), theaters must provide at least two open caption screenings, including one during prime hours (Friday evening or anytime on the weekend).
  • After the initial two weeks, theaters must provide at least one open caption showing per week during weekday evenings or weekends.

Smaller theaters (with four or fewer locations) must provide open caption screenings within eight days of a customer request, or they can choose to follow the same schedule as larger chains.

In addition, the law also makes it easier for moviegoers to plan their visit:

  • Theaters must clearly label open-captioned showtimes using the “OC” tag on their websites and ticketing platforms. 
  • Theaters are required to list contact information online so customers can easily request open caption showings.
  • If two OC showings of the same film overlap, only one counts toward the weekly requirement (unless overlap is unavoidable).
  • Theaters must maintain records of their compliance for at least one year.

Meanwhile, drive-in theaters are exempt from these requirements.

The Champions Behind the Washington State Open Caption Law 

The success of this legislation was made possible thanks to the tireless advocacy of a committee of Deaf and hard-of-hearing leaders and allies. Senator Tina Orwall (District 33) championed the bill, alongside a powerful coalition of community advocates including but not limited to: 

As a result, their efforts brought the needs of millions of Washingtonians to the forefront, ensuring access and equity in entertainment.

The Pain of Closed Caption Devices

If you’ve ever tried using a closed captioning device at a theater, you know it’s hit or miss. Devices are often dirty, broken, uncharged—or worse, they just don’t work. Many Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers have had to leave mid-movie or miss the show altogether because the device failed. That’s why this law matters so much.

Why Open Captions Are Better

Open captions don’t rely on external devices. The text appears directly on the screen—no setup, no batteries, no awkward tech. In the same way streaming platforms embed captions, theaters can now easily make open captions a regular option. Most theaters already have the technology—it’s just a matter of scheduling and pressing play.

Who Benefits from Open Captions?

While Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons are at the heart of this law, the truth is, the benefits go much further:

  • 48 million Americans with hearing loss can now enjoy movies without device-related stress
  • Non-native English speakers better understand fast dialogue and accents
  • Kids and early readers improve literacy by pairing sound with text
  • People with auditory processing disorders get an added layer of support
  • and let’s be honest—anyone who’s sat through a mumbly actor or bad sound mix appreciates captions

In fact, a 2023 Vox survey found that 57% of viewers use captions—only 2% of whom are Deaf. Captions are becoming the norm, not the exception.

Why This Is Smart Business

Let’s talk dollars and sense: Accessible showings bring in new revenue.

  • Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences are more likely to attend open-captioned showings—and they often bring friends and family.
  • Multilingual communities want captioned showings too.
  • Parents and educators appreciate the educational boost.
  • AMC began offering open caption screenings in 2021 at 240 locations, responding to community demand and expanding accessibility.

Even better, there’s almost zero cost to implement—no new tech required, just smarter scheduling.

Washington Joins Other Leaders in Accessibility

Washington now joins a growing list of jurisdictions mandating open captions:

  • Hawaii
  • Maryland
  • New York City
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Washington State

Across the country, this trend reflects a broader movement toward designing public spaces that truly welcome everyone—not just some.

The Credits Are Rolling on Exclusion 

Washington’s new open caption law isn’t just a win for the Deaf community—it’s a win for everyone. It makes theaters more welcoming, eliminates outdated tech headaches, and opens the door to new customers and new revenue streams. It’s smart, it’s inclusive, and it’s long overdue.

The curtain is closing on exclusion—and opening on a more accessible future. 

Looking to lead with inclusion? Sign the OC Petition here or let deaffriendly CONSULTING help your business become more accessible. We offer training, audits, and support to ensure you’re not just compliant—but confident.

📩 Contact us to get started.