Title
An Ordinance to Add a New Chapter 120 (Closed Captioning) to Title IX of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor (Ordinance No. ORD-16-24)
Memorandum
Approved Resolution R-16-145 directed the City Administrator and City Attorney to develop a draft ordinance to require activation of closed captioning on televisions that are in use in places of public accommodation (e.g. bars, hotel lobbies, restaurants, etc.). The draft ordinance was reviewed and approved by the Commission on Disability Issues at their October 19 meeting.
The ordinance requires activation of closed captioning whenever televisions are in use in places of public accommodation. The ordinance does not require that a television be turned on (the business may choose to leave the television off entirely). However, if it is turned on, then the closed captioning must also be activated. The ordinance does not require upgrading or purchasing new equipment to display closed captioning. The ordinance will be enforced by police and community standards.
The Commission on Disability Issues has discussed possibilities for the Commission to conduct outreach and education, including contacting local merchant associations and major establishments that would fall under the ordinance. The Commission has also discussed developing educational materials, such as business cards that could be distributed to local merchants, as well as guidelines for customers to request turning on closed captioning before seeking enforcement.
The Commission has recommended that the ordinance be effective July 1, 2017 to allow a time period for businesses to become aware of the ordinance and educate their staff and for the Commission to determine and recommend education and outreach strategies.
Staff
Prepared by: Christopher Frost, Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
ORDINANCE NO. ORD-16-24
First Reading: November 10, 2016 Approved: February 6, 2017
Public Hearing...
Click here for full text