An Act to require closed captioning in telecommunications in public areas

This bill requires businesses in Massachusetts that offer public areas with televisions to keep closed captioning turned on when customers request it. It applies to any place of public accommodation during regular operating hours, such as hotels, restaurants, or waiting rooms. The law defines closed captioning as text displayed on a screen that transcribes audio and provides exceptions if no television is available or if the device cannot display captions. Failure to comply with this request would be considered discrimination under state law, allowing the Massachusetts Commission on Discrimination to investigate and address violations.