Bills · HR 8327
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 8327Science, Technology, Communications
Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026
This bill updates federal law to require that internet-based video services and communication tools meet the same accessibility standards as traditional television.AI-written
INTRO APR 16· LAST ACTION APR 16
READING
43MIN
COSPONSORS
6
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
tl;dr
AI-writtenMandates that all online streaming services, social media clips, and video conferencing apps provide captions and audio descriptions to ensure equal access for people with hearing and vision disabilities.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenCurrent accessibility laws were written in 2010, when most people still watched traditional cable TV. Today, much of our news, education, and social life happens through streaming and video calls. If these platforms don't have captions or audio descriptions, millions of Americans are effectively locked out of modern society, job opportunities, and emergency information.
If this bill becomes law, it would close the 'digital divide' for people with disabilities. Without it, accessibility remains hit-or-miss depending on which app you use, leaving many people unable to follow a viral video, attend a remote work meeting, or watch a digital-only movie without help.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Mandates closed captioning for all online video programming, including short clips.
It removes the current loophole where short videos or internet-only shows don't have to provide captions.
PROVISION 02
Requires video conferencing services to be accessible to people with disabilities.
This ensures people with disabilities can use essential tools for remote work and online education.
PROVISION 03
Establishes requirements for audio descriptions on online video content.
This provides blind or low-vision individuals with a spoken narrative of the visual action in a video.
PROVISION 04
Updates standards for video playback devices and emerging technologies.
It ensures future tech like VR headsets or new smart devices are built to be accessible from day one.
PROVISION 05
Creates a Closed Captioning, Audio Description, and Sign Language Advisory Committee.
This group will provide the technical expertise needed to keep federal regulations up to date with fast-moving tech.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 6
D· Michigan
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
79
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 33%
DEM 5 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAPR 16
Introduced in House
APR 16
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 8327
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedApr 16, 2026
Last actionApr 16, 2026
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED APR 16, 2026
House BillHR 8327Science, Technology, Communications
Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2026
This bill updates federal law to require that internet-based video services and communication tools meet the same accessibility standards as traditional television.AI-written
INTRODUCED APR 16, 2026· LAST ACTION APR 16, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
43 min
COSPONSORS
6
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
